The first event in the Watford Apprenticeship Programme, run by Richard Harrington MP, designed to increase the number businesses offering Apprenticeships and the number of young people starting them in Watford, takes place next Wednesday.
Richard has invited all Watford businesses to attend a reception where they can learn about the benefits of employing an apprentice and meet with the organisations ready to create the Apprenticeship programme that’s right for their company.
Richard is hoping that as many businesses as possible attend to find out how they can hire and train young people within their organisation, a scheme that offers a strong return on their investment. On the evening businesses will be able to hear from other companies how easy and productive it is to hire an apprentice as well as the measures the Government have created to help small businesses.
The reception will be held on Wednesday February 22nd at the Park Inn Hotel Watford between 4 and 7 pm. All Watford businesses are invited to drop in during the evening to speak with apprenticeship providers and people who have successfully hired apprentices.
Any company that offers an Apprenticeship vacancy will be able to advertise these posts at a Apprenticeship Fair later in the year.
The event is supported by Camelot Group Ltd, the National Apprentice Service and West Herts College.
Richard said:
“ Since being elected I have been working hard to help small businesses in my constituency and cut the too high levels of unemployment. The Government and I strongly believe that Apprenticeships can help small and large companies grow and take on new staff as well as cut the levels of youth unemployment we are all concerned about.
“ As with the very successful Jobs Fair I ran last year, I wanted to take practical action to help businesses and young people in Watford.
“ Having been a businessman and employer for many years before becoming MP I know how hard recruiting new staff can be. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way of employing and training new staff and skilling a new generation of workforce for your company.
“ I am holding this business reception to give businesses in Watford a chance to see for themselves the potential benefits of hiring an apprentice and I hope as many as possible are able to drop in during the evening to learn more.”