Businesses show that apprenticeships work

‘Apprenticeships work’ is the message coming from business and public sector leaders involved in Enterprise East Cambridgeshire’s newest event taking place during this year’s National Apprenticeship Week.

Key speakers for the free to attend event, taking place on Friday 9th March at the Maltings, Ely, will include Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, James Palmer and Corkers Crisps’ Caroline Bosworth. The day will include practical advice sessions plus a wealth of information for businesses wanting to find apprentices and the funding options available to them.

Mayor for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, James Palmer, said: “I am a strong believer that apprenticeships are an excellent route into employment. Apprenticeships feature heavily in our plans for the combined authority. This includes creating 600 jobs within the health and social care sector and a commitment of more than £690,000 over the next two years to support small business financially to take on apprentices. I am proud to be involved in the event which will bring businesses together in my home district to shine a light on the importance of investing in our young people and the backing available to make that a reality.”

Head of People, Projects and Engagement at Corkers Crisps, Caroline Bosworth, said: “In 2017 we surpassed the milestone of employing over 100 people. This was achieved within seven years of forming the business which we are hugely proud of.

“What has become clear to us, is the importance of having apprentices as part of our company. This has been hugely rewarding and we cannot wait to show other like-minded businesses why they should consider this route to recruitment.”

Platinum Properties and Cambridge Commodities also boost the roster of speakers for the lunchtime event.

“At Platinum Properties we believe in the constant development of the company, our services and our people” says Maria Morgan, Managing Director of Platinum Properties.

“Our team is comprised of highly experienced well-regarded industry professionals, some whom started their careers as apprentices themselves.

“We look forward to giving others a greater understanding of the positive impact that apprenticeships have on businesses and how the next generation of professionals can make a positive impact.”

Marie Lee, HR Manager at Cambridge Commodities, said: “At Cambridge Commodities we are very supportive of apprenticeships and how they can positively impact our business. Over the past five years, we’ve taken on over 15 successful apprentices, many of whom have gone on to occupy full-time positions within the company.  Our main drive at Cambridge Commodities is to upskill and develop our teams to foster personal and business growth, and it is a pleasure to support Enterprise East Cambridgeshire’s employer event to celebrate just how much apprentices can strengthen businesses.”

Enterprise East Cambridgeshire is the economic development arm of East Cambridgeshire District Council and facilitate economic growth by working with the local business community in East Cambridgeshire

On the event, Councillor Lis Every, the Enterprise Skills Champion for East Cambridgeshire District Council stated that: “The Apprenticeship Works event will support local businesses to develop their workforce, access new talent and consider new ways of working.

“East Cambridgeshire is one of the fastest growing regional economies in the UK; local businesses are thriving and keen to recruit from the amazing pool of talent we have in this region. This event promises to be a lively and informative event.”

The Employer Event: Apprenticeships Work will run from 11am to 2pm on Friday 9th March. You can register your attendance here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/employer-event-apprenticeships-work-tickets-42559235820

The day will also include refreshments and a light lunch for all visitors.