ADD some sparkle to your business by taking on an apprentice – and find out how easy it is at a series of special drop-in sessions.

The events are part of National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from next Monday to Friday, and have been organised by North East Lincolnshire Council's Community Learning Services.

In a bid to get more apprentices into the workplace, the week aims to highlight the benefits apprentices can bring to businesses – and the council will be providing information to employers about the support that is available to them.

Councillor Ian Lindley, portfolio holder for people services at NELC, said "This is a great opportunity for businesses to get an understanding about the great benefits an apprentice can bring to their business.

"The council is committed to strengthening the local economy and wants employers to take advantage of increasing productivity and efficiency in the workplace by employing and supporting apprentices."

Sue Simpson, who heads up the Community Learning Service, added: "We work closely with businesses helping them to find the right apprentice for their organisation and then continue to provide support to the employer and their apprentice throughout the programme. Businesses may be keen to learn more about the training we can provide for employers, and we would welcome the opportunity to talk to them during National Apprentice Week."

As reported, the council's Change programme is currently offering an apprenticeship grant of £2,500 to local employers, which can be used to subsidise a new apprentice's pay for the first year.

This grant scheme has been created to enable and encourage local companies to consider taking on an apprentice to assist local businesses and it also offers a fantastic opportunity to young people who are not in education, employment and training (NEETs). The scheme is aimed specifically at helping unemployed 16 to 18-year-olds to access work and it gives them a chance to develop and learn valuable, transferable skills for their working life.

Get involved

The drop-in sessions will held on: Monday, from 1pm to 3pm, at Europarc Innovation Centre; Tuesday, from 9.30am to 11.30am, at the Catch facility, Stallingborough; Wednesday, from 9.10am to 11.30am, at Cleethorpes Business Centre, in Wilton Road; Thursday, from 1pm to 3pm, at Grimsby Business Centre, in King Edward Street. For more information about the support available for businesses, call 01472 324591 or e-mail cls@nelincs.gov.uk

For more about National Apprenticeship Week, visit apprenticeships.org.uk