- By Buckinghamshire Business First
- 18 September, 2014
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Momentum behind Going for Gold (GFG) is building. The website is having the finishing touches applied, employers have affirmed their commitment and need for work-ready apprentices and local training providers are ready to provide a ‘gold standard’ service to Buckinghamshire employers, This means working with you to promote your apprenticeship opportunities, screen and present applicants, and train your apprentice.
The GFG website will be launched on Thursday 25 September and the team hope that the model developed will lead the way in increasing both the number of young people looking for apprenticeship opportunities and the number of employers offering opportunities in the county.
Ash Coles, GFG Project Manager, said: “We’ve been really encouraged by the enthusiasm of employers and training providers, who understand the aims of GFG and how we can support the future workforce.”
It is recognised that apprenticeships provide a cost effective way of recruiting and developing workforce skills. With confirmation both nationally and locally that financial incentives to support employers have been extended, there has never been a better time to create an apprenticeship opportunity in your business. Up to £4,000 can be claimed, subject to eligibility, towards the cost of employing an apprentice, which you can use as a contribution towards salary costs or to pay for additional training.
96% of employers that take on an apprentice report benefits to their business - so why not join them and create an apprenticeship opportunity today.
We will let you know more about GFG after its launch. If you would like to know more about apprenticeships, how they can benefit your business and the funding available visit the apprenticeship section of the Buckinghamshire Business First website, or contact us on 01494 568944.
GFG is already building its own workforce of quality young people, with two students studying IT at Bucks University Technical College working on placement to help with the project.
The Going for Gold initiative is being developed by a range of partners including county and district councils, training providers, careers education providers, Buckinghamshire Business First and Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership. Initial funding for GFG is being met by Aylesbury Vale District Council, Buckinghamshire County Council, and BEST – a partnership between Buckinghamshire New University, Aylesbury College and Buckinghamshire University Technical College.
