More than 52,500 apprenticeships started in region as employers join scheme

The Government recently confirmed more than 700 employers are set to join the third phase of its Apprenticeships Trailblazers, designing 76 courses ranging from TV production, to agriculture and horticulture, to welding.

The latest phase of the Government scheme means more than 1,000 employers will be involved in designing and delivering apprenticeships to meet skills gaps.

Major employers including PwC, BAE Systems and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue are involved in designing courses. Launched in October 2013, the scheme aims to create employer-approved apprenticeships.

Business secretary Vince Cable said: “Across the country apprenticeships are a driving force behind getting young people the skills that employers want and the economy needs. Our reforms have empowered businesses large and small to design and deliver world-beating apprenticeships that offer a real route to a successful career.”

Provisional figures for Yorkshire and Humber show 52,520 apprenticeships were started in 2013 and 2014. Richmond in North Yorkshire led the way with 4,470 people undertaking earn-while-you-learn training.

Beverley and Holderness in East Yorkshire recorded 2,870 apprenticeship starts, while Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford had 1,240.

Beverley-based accountant Hemingway Bailey has employed two apprentices through the Government’s scheme.

Evie Molloy, who is studying at level three with the firm, said she was unaware of apprenticeships in accountancy before speaking to a college career adviser.

She said: “Hemingway Bailey appealed to me because they were a small, local company.

“It was made clear to me that I would not just be sat in an office counting beans and the company delivered on that promise.”