Chamber hosts apprenticeship launch event

The Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce launched its first apprenticeship-focused event, held at GVS Filter Technology UK in Morecambe, attracting 20 businesses from the district.

Welcomed by the chamber vice president John Regan, businesses got an insight into the benefits of hiring apprentices and the recruitment process.

Speaking at the event was host John Pike, executive committee director of UK Operations at GVS, accompanied by their apprentice Shaun Valentine. John gave his reasons as to why hiring apprentices has been hugely successful and beneficial to the company.

He said: “Our apprentices receive the best external training available to provide the basic skills that we need them to have whilst also living day to day within our organisation. This enables them to take on board the specific needs of our business and to grow and flourish in a spirit of mutually beneficial partnership and career development.”

National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) representative Andrew Stone presented on the finer details of apprenticeships and the huge variety of schemes available whilst Sue Keenan from Lancaster & Morecambe College contributed on how they, as an education provider, can help match up the right apprenticeship to the right person and support businesses through the process.

Vicky Lofthouse, chamber manager, said: “We are delighted to be working with NAS and Lancaster & Morecambe College to help raise the profile of apprenticeships in the district. By working with local businesses, the chamber is looking to spread the message that hiring an apprentice is not only a great way for learners to gain real industry experience and a qualification, it can also help a business to grow its own talent and contribute to the local business community.” The Chamber will also be supporting the National Apprenticeship Week (7th – 11th March 2014) and will be hosting the districts own ‘Apprenticeship Day’ on Friday 11th March.