62 new apprenticeships to be created as council offers firms recruitment aid

Businesses are to be provided with funding to take on apprentices as part of a new council drive to get people into employment.

North Lincolnshire Council revealed the move as it announced details of its latest batch of apprenticeships.

The council, which has already taken on 40 people in apprenticeship roles since April, has earmarked another 32 positions to start next year.

But the authority has also announced a commitment to placing 30 more people with private sector businesses in 2013.

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It will award grants of £3,000 to companies towards the wages of an apprentice, with recruitment and training to be provided by the council.

The authority has joined forces with the Scunthorpe Telegraph for the Your Life, Your Future campaign, which aims to raise aspirations and increase employment.

Councillor Liz Redfern, the leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: "We want to get as many people into employment as we can.

"We think this will stimulate businesses to think about succession planning.

"But also, as we are able to give them a grant, it might support them to go that extra step. They will get real training and qualifications.

"We will recruit them on the businesses' behalf, so instead of them having to go out, we will give them the recruitment and training, plus £3,000 towards wages."

The private sector apprenticeships will be split into 15 to start in April and 15 in September. All firms can apply to take on an apprentice as part of the initiative.

But there will be a focus on the growth sectors of construction, retail, health and social care, IT and engineering.

The 32 apprenticeships for positions at the council will also be split into roles beginning in April and September, with 16 jobs in each.

Apprenticeships beginning in April will include positions for a trainee mechanic, technician, customer service assistant and healthcare assistant. Other roles include positions in sports development, finance, IT, design, horticulture and construction.

The new apprentices will add to those already employed by the council.

Among them is Sophie Manoury, who has worked as an apprentice administrator at the register office, based at the Civic Centre in Scunthorpe, since September.

She said: "While we are learning and experiencing in the workplace, we are earning at the same time for good skills for the future and future jobs.

"I think more companies should take on young apprentices because not only is it good for the younger generation to get the experience but the company itself gets a good reputation as well."

Businesses interested in taking on an apprentice as part of the scheme should call the council on 01724 297330.