IMI encourages businesses to support National Apprenticeship Week 2009
The second annual Apprenticeship Week will take place from Monday 23 February to Friday 27 February and is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the essential role that Apprenticeships are playing in today's business world, ensuring that the workforce has the skills it needs in order to remain competitive, even in difficult economic circumstances.
The IMI recently highlighted the benefits of apprenticeships for businesses in the automotive sector and is encouraging employers to look at the apprenticeship as a means of investing in long term skills development.
Apprenticeship Week 2009, supported by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), is the chance for employers to share the many benefits that Apprenticeships are delivering on a daily basis for their businesses and demonstrate that apprentices "Make Things Happen". Apprenticeships are crucial for providing employers with the skills they need to succeed, spanning the breadth of the economy - from accountancy and engineering, to construction, creative industries and sport.
Apprenticeships also provide a high-quality alternative route to future career success for ambitious individuals. In the current economic circumstances, it is more important than ever to ensure that employees have the skills they need to help deliver success which is why businesses should continue to train. Training will help them through the current storm whilst also readying them for when the storm passes.
Throughout Apprenticeship Week, events and awareness raising activities are going to roll-out across the country - and we would like you to take part. As employers yourselves it is your experiences of Apprenticeships that are the most powerful and your voices will be more readily heard by your peers.
The message is clear: Apprenticeships are good for business, supplying employers with the skills they need, when they need them: "Apprentices Make Things Happen". Do not miss out. Get involved help us spread the message.
Can you host a breakfast bringing together the heads of your supply chain to educate them about Apprenticeships and encourage them to employ apprentices? Could you make an announcement during the Week that you are taking on more apprentices due to the ongoing value they deliver your business? Whatever you are planning to do during the Week, the LSC would love to hear about it so please contact them on [email protected]
The website - www.apprenticeships.org.uk - is a source of invaluable information about Apprenticeships if you want to find out more.
Let's work together to make Apprenticeship Week 2009 a week to remember and together prepare the workforce with the skills it needs for success.
Employers interested in apprenticeships for their business are invited to contact the Careers Team at the IMI for further information on [email protected] or call 01992 511521.