Apprentice programme extended

The Leeds-based employment agency Stafforce is extending the reach of its Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA) across West Yorkshire.

The company is aiming for 100 new placements with SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) this year.

Stafforce, which is based at King Street, Leeds, said firms will be able to appoint apprentices who have been pre-vetted for their suitability.

Business manager Christian Rudd said: “Employers can gain all the competitive advantage to be had when embracing apprenticeships, while minimising their risk.

“Apprentices are a very potent means to cultivate the talent of the future, lift a company’s skill base and create a committed, able, highly competitive workforce.

“At the same time, employment levels, local economies and personal outcomes are all boosted, as young people earn while they learn real life skills and gain relevant, industry-recognised qualifications.”

The ATA’s recruitment and management service is delivered both on site and in classroom sessions with training providers, who are selected by the host companies.

Stafforce’s initiative has started in the run-up to National Apprenticeship Week in March.

It comes at a time when the failure of many of the region’s employers to hire apprentices has caused concern. A recent report by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) revealed that over two thirds of businesses don’t offer apprenticeships.