No training short cuts
Published 8 Jul 2011 09:30
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THE Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has reported the number of apprenticeship places delivered in the last 12 months significantly exceeded the planned figure.
The Government's target was 50,000 additional adult apprenticeships but it achieved around 103,000 and Business Secretary Vince Cable says continued investment will bring more apprenticeships in the future.
Mr Cable said: "Our planned investment will deliver some 360,000 apprenticeships this year alone - and we'll continue to work with the business community to make it easier for more companies of all sizes to take on an apprentice."
Meanwhile, one Berkshire company is particularly proud of its contribution to this economic success story. The Style Guru salon, in Theale, has been awarded South East Small Employer of the Year for its passion for employing, and skill in training, apprentices.
Style Guru staff attended the prestigious National Apprenticeship Awards in June - organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS). The awards are designed to celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the businesses that employ them.
The salon works with Reading College to take on hairdressing apprentices and it impressed judges with its willingness to invest in the best training for its staff.
Sarah Charles, who owns the salon, has more than 20 years experience in the industry. On the importance of training, Sarah said: "The only way our business can work effectively is to start people off on the right footing from the moment they come through our door. We train people from scratch."
Sarah has worked in the TV and media industry but gets a bigger buzz out of seeing an apprentice rise through the ranks than she ever did while working on a TV or photoshoot set. She added: "Working with people in a salon is extremely rewarding and intimate. Training is a complete process and unique for every individual. We don't just work on the practical skills but also the mental and confidence aspects."
Rachel McKellar, director for the NAS in south east, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate The Style Guru salon for this superb achievement and for its ongoing commitment to apprenticeships."
To find out more about apprenticeships call 08000 150 600 or visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk
This article appeared in Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald 06 Jul 11
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