BACK APPRENTICESHIP WEEK, URGE COUNCILLORS

In this National Apprenticeships Week, two local Councillors are urging local businesses to keep backing apprenticeships and help boost the campaign to allow people to earn and learn at the same time.

Councillor Michael Mullaney, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman for Bosworth, and Councillor Mathew Hulbert, the Borough Council's Children and Young People's Champion, hope the week's focus on the wide range of apprenticeships on offer and the positive impact that they have on businesses and individuals will encourage more companies to take up the offer.

In recent years Hinckley and Bosworth has seen one of the biggest increases in the number of apprenticeships outside of London.

Grants and packages of financial support exist to support businesses to take on an apprentice.

Michael Mullaney said: "Apprenticeships give people invaluable skills and training that can last a lifetime and they are great for employers too. Apprenticeships are incredibly importantand I am urging businesses who haven't taken on an apprentice so far to look at taking one on now. Businesses are eligible for a £1,500 grant and with other changes to National Insurance rules, there has never been a better time to take on an apprentice."

Mathew Hulbert added, ''I'm really proud that Lib Dems, in both local and national Government, have worked with businesses large and small to deliver two million new apprenticeships since 2010.

"Here in Hinckley and Bosworth we've seen one of the largest increases in the number of apprenticeships outside of the Capital itself.

"We want to build on this record and continue to help provide great entry points for young people into the World of Work, thereby helping to ensure the stronger economy we all want to see.''