SkillsHouse, part of Bradford Council’s employment and skills service, are using National Apprenticeship Week to highlight the many benefits apprenticeships bring to businesses and the invaluable skills people who undertake them gain.

SkillsHouse is a partnership made up of educational organisations, voluntary services and employers. Qualified advisers offer information and support to help connect out-of-work residents to jobs and training. This service is completely free and includes apprenticeships.

This year there are exciting events running across the District, where partners are providing free face-to-face events and virtual information sessions. These will provide everything people need to know about apprenticeships and how to apply.

Apprenticeships are a vital entry route to gaining skills required by a broad range of employers. They offer an attractive option for people who can benefit from earning an income while gaining valuable skills.

Ciara, who is completing a Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, would encourage others to consider taking the apprenticeship route.

She said: ”I chose an apprenticeship as I’m a hands on learner; I have always preferred to learn on the job rather than in a classroom. Apprenticeships are an amazing way to find the career you want!

“The most rewarding part has been how much I have grown in my role since starting. I have come a long way and it has helped me figure out so much about where I would like to work in the future.

“I would recommend an apprenticeship to other people as it is a great way to get paid, learn on the job and gain real life experience.”

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for Education, Employment and Skills, said: "It is great that National Apprenticeship Week returns for 2022 to give us the opportunity to celebrate the many fantastic achievements apprentices have made across our District.

“Apprenticeships are a great way for people of all ages to either take those first steps into a high quality job or to upskill themselves if they want a change of career.

“Apprenticeships are also hugely beneficial for local businesses as they can help develop the skills local employers need and grow the skills of people from local communities.”

There are many benefits to businesses in employing an apprentice, including reducing the cost of recruitment, training and retaining talent, increasing productivity and rejuvenating a business.

There are incentives for employers to take on apprentices with the government paying £1,000 to employers hiring an apprentice aged 16-18 years, or under 25 with an education health and care plan or has been in the care of the local authority.

This incentive can be spent on anything to support the organisation’s costs, for example, on uniforms, the apprentice’s travel costs or their salary. The money does not have to paid back.

SkillsHouse can offer information and guidance for prospective apprentices and employers. To view current apprenticeship vacancies or to find out more about what SkillsHouse offers, visit: www.skillshouse.co.uk or speak to an adviser on 01274 437373 or email Skillshouse@bradford.gov.uk