A one-stop-shop has been set up to help businesses find the right apprentices.

The Apprenticeship Hub will be an independent advice service helping companies through the process of recruiting the right apprentice, from beginning to end.

Experts will explain the different funding grants available and provide advice on the training courses offered locally.

The Apprenticeship Hub, which is being run by Bradford skills partnership E3, was officially unveiled at an event yesterday at Forster’s Bistro in City Park, a business which itself takes on apprentice chefs.

The event included presentations on the benefits of apprenticeships, and an opportunity for businesses to find out more about apprentice recruitment.

Russell McGrath, managing director of Bradford-based Tandem Marketing and chairman of the Bradford Apprenticeship Group, said: “The new hub will make a tremendous difference to businesses and make the process of taking on an apprentice that much easier.”

He said the event gave businesses a chance to find out more about the hub and see apprenticeships in action.

He said: “One of the reasons we chose Forster’s Bistro as the venue is because it employs a high number of apprenticeships and supports young chefs in realising their potential.”

One of the speakers at the event was Tony Reeves, chief executive of Bradford Council.

Beforehand he said: “Apprenticeships can make a real difference to businesses in terms of lower recruitment costs and helping to develop home-grown talent.

“I would urge businesses across the district to contact the hub and find out more about the wide benefits apprenticeships can bring.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, portfolio holder for employment and skills, said: “The Apprenticeship Hub will make it easier for businesses to find the right apprenticeship for them.”

E3 is a partnership between Bradford Chamber and Bradford Council aimed at boosting vocational education.

In Bradford 1,500 businesses use apprenticeships to take on new staff or retrain existing employees. They are available to firms of all sizes and from all sectors in Bradford, from design to science, hospitality to manufacturing.

Businesses can find out about apprenticeships by contacting E3 on (01274) 230042 or e-mailing info@e3bradford. co.uk