Ton-derful!

BRIGHT future... 100th apprentice Emma Topham, of OTC, with other apprentices and Alliance members

Apprentice scheme smashes 100 barrier

The 100 in 100 Apprenticeships campaign has smashed its ton-up target — with almost double the target now signed up and ready to work.

In February the Chronicle launched a drive with the Oldham Apprenticeship Alliance to encourage businesses to take on one or more apprentices.

The aim was to sign up 100 apprentices in 100 days to help kick-start Oldham’s economic recovery and give people the chance to gain valuable skills.

Final figures reveal a staggering 171 apprentices of all ages secured places in that time in a wide range of sectors, from hospitality and hairdressing to advertising and engineering. 

Sue Price, National Apprenticeship Service regional director, said: “To have achieved 171 apprenticeships is a fantastic achievement.

“We have been overwhelmed by the level of support for the campaign by Oldham businesses and Oldham Council and would like to sincerely thank every employer who has committed to recruit an apprentice.

“The Oldham Alliance is a collaboration of all providers in Oldham and they have worked together to smash this target and will continue the successful partnership after the campaign. As well as benefiting young people by offering them life-changing career opportunities, apprenticeships also bring many proven benefits to businesses including, increased productivity, improved competitiveness and a committed highly skilled workforce. They are an extremely cost-effective way of developing staff and offer a significant return on investment. The level of employer support for the campaign from employers of all sizes and from all sectors is testament to this.

“We want the momentum and enthusiasm for the campaign to continue and would like to encourage more employers to get involved.”

Alliance members include The Oldham College, OTC Training, Mantra Learning, Rathbone, and YMCA Training, and are supported by Oldham Council and the National Apprenticeship Service.

Chronicle editor David Whaley said: “We’re proud to have played our part in this hugely successful drive to boost Oldham’s economy, and we are delighted with the response from the business community.”

Elaine McLean, the council’s executive director for economy, place and skills, said: “To have recruited 171 new apprentices against our initial target of 100 is an absolutely fantastic result.

“This has opened many new doors for the young people and adults involved and will provide vital opportunities that will help them make real progress on the employment ladder. Nurturing new talent can also help to invigorate a company and the Oldham businesses who have supported this campaign will equally benefit in many ways.

“This ambitious campaign is a shining example of what positive partnership working can achieve, and I would like to thank the wide range of local companies who had the vision to sign up and get involved in this scheme.”