INVESTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE - Vizzit Christchurch Online Magazine

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Dorset has joined forces with the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) to help promote apprenticeships and are holding joint events where small businesses can find out how they can employ young people under the scheme. The meetings will dispel the idea that apprenticeships are the reserve of large companies and are part of the NAS campaign 100 in 100 which aims to place 100 apprentices in 100 days. The first meeting will take place on 14 September at the Village Hotel, Bournemouth between 12noon and 2pm. The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), which was launched in 2009, and has opened the door for small businesses to take advantage of the benefits of taking on apprentices. There are grants available for eligible businesses and they provide the service to both employers and learners. Chairman of the FSB’s Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Branch, David Ramsden, said: “More small businesses and organisations in Dorset are realising that apprenticeships are key to a highly skilled, highly motivated future workforce. Providing training on the job, particularly when that training is fully funded, just makes commercial sense and these days this can be white or blue-collar jobs. NAS is simplifying the process of recruiting an apprentice and the FSB is pleased to support this important initiative.” Jane Bodimeade of NAS said: “With over 190 different types of apprenticeships, there’s likely to be a place for an apprentice in local organisations. As an added incentive to encourage new employers a new grant scheme has been launched by NAS in the South West. The new grant offers eligible businesses up to £1000 when starting a new apprentice in its organisation and £750 when placing an existing employer onto an Apprenticeship. The scheme is limited, so businesses should contact the NAS to find out more about eligibility.”  NAS also runs a free online vacancy matching service which allows individuals to search, and employers to advertise, live vacancies. To find out more about the how Apprenticeships can benefit your business and the funding available NAS can be contacted on 08000 150 600 or visit apprenticeships.org.uk The 14^th September event is free to FSB members and £12.50 for non members. Anyone interested in attending should contact Lorna Wills at the FSB Regional Office on 01425 280821/280080 or by email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .