Time to hire a share of apprentices (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Time to hire a share of apprentices

8:32am Friday 3rd February 2012 in Our View By Telegraph & Argus

This newspaper has long been an advocate of the value of apprenticeships, particularly as we battle our way out of the recession, which is why we are helping to launch the 100 apprenticeships in 100 days scheme for Bradford.

And we would call on as many businesses in Bradford as possible to get behind the campaign and to take on apprentices wherever they practically can.

A launch event next week along with a special supplement in the Telegraph & Argus will help to show firms the proven business benefits of taking on apprentices, as well as explaining the help and advice available to them if they go down this route.

The continued growth of this type of training will help to stimulate our economy and bring more young people into the workplace.

And once they are in such a scheme, they will learn valuable, transferable skills which will stay with them for life.

This country will need young people trained in construction skills and professions like plumbing and engineering as we come out of the ongoing slump.

For the apprentices themselves, learning a trade on the job, with the right people on hand to teach you, is a fantastic way to make yourself a valuable commodity in the very difficult current employment market.

The apprenticeship route not only allows young people to learn vocational skills, but also to learn how to interact with colleagues in the workplace.

When the economy starts to take a turn for the better, we will need these skilled youngsters to help with the development of projects like Westfield.

And they will be in the right place, with the right skills, to reap the rewards of the time spent training.