Apprentice Factory given go-ahead

The South Ribble Apprentice Factory, a new project to increase the number of apprentices working in the area, has been given the green light by the local council.

South Ribble Borough Council’s Human Resources and Economic Development teams have developed the new initiative to bring together businesses and would-be apprentices by offering them guidance and support.

It will gather all the information and make it accessible in one place, clearly showing where the opportunities lie around South Ribble and at which businesses.

Councillor Peter Mullineaux, leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: “It’s very exciting to be one of the leading public sector organisations committed to bringing more and more apprenticeships to the region.

“I’m immensely proud of our team here – and I’m thrilled that so many residents and businesses stand to gain from the Apprentice Factory.

“It’s about growing skills; having an educated and innovative workforce who are continually developing their abilities in order to make a real difference to South Ribble businesses.

“We also want to dispel all the myths and misconceptions people have about apprenticeships: for example, they can encompass all kinds of careers across the board, and are open to all ages.

“Apprenticeships also allow people to gain qualifications right up to postgraduate level, so they’re a massive opportunity for the people of South Ribble.”

The council says it recognises the importance of apprentices to the borough’s future economic growth, and has included it as a key part of the new, recently approved Corporate Plan for 2018-23.

It also held a successful skills and training event in March as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

South Ribble Borough Council has a good track record itself of championing apprenticeships – with its own successful training programme available to current staff and annual recruitment of new apprentices. Now, the council is ready to hear from South Ribble businesses and residents interested in taking on or becoming apprentices.