Business News
Proskills announces start of Apprenticeship Week with launch of Apprenticeship Awards 2009
Friday 20. February 2009 - Print & Paper Industries to gain from £1 billion government apprenticeship fund & gain recognition in Proskills annual Apprenticeship awards
Proskills, the sector skills council for the process and manufacturing sector, which includes the print & paper industries, is marking the start of the governments second annual national Apprenticeship Week, which takes place between 23rd-27th February 2009, with the launch of its own 2009 Sector Apprenticeship Awards to find the industrys best apprentices.
Apprenticeship Week aims to raise the profile of apprenticeships in the workplace, highlight the benefits of apprenticeships in tackling the issue of crucial skills shortages, celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the role they play in todays business, as well as encourage more employers to take on apprentices. During the week, a series of events will take place across the country including a roadshow of seminars featuring Sir Alan Sugar, based on the theme apprentices Make Things Happen.
Apprenticeship Week coincides with a recent announcement by the government, of a £1 billion investment into apprenticeships by 2010/2011, as well committing a further £140m next year to fund an additional 35,000 apprenticeships to help strengthen the countries competitiveness and beat the downturn.
Commenting on Apprenticeship Week, Terry Watts, Chief Executive of Proskills said, “Despite the harsh realities of the recession, its crucial that businesses think beyond the downturn of today and continue to review its skills base for the upturn of tomorrow. There has never been a better time to access funding to support apprenticeships, and we are determined to ensure companies, employees and young people embarking on careers for the first time are fully aware of the options and funding available to them through our planned activities for Apprenticeship Week as well as through our Apprenticeship Awards Scheme.”
As part of its commitment to the week-long event, Proskills is announcing its own Apprenticeship Awards programme for 2009. Now in its third year, the Proskills Apprenticeship Awards are open to all apprentices in the UK within the Proskills footprint, and aim to recognise both apprentices who have made a real difference to their future as well as the organisation they work for. Categories include Advanced Apprentice of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, and Achiever of the Year. Presentations to the category winners will be made at a Gala Dinner scheduled to take place in November this year.
Terry Watts, added, “Our annual Apprenticeship Awards are geared towards recognising apprentices who are successfully using the apprenticeship programme . The winning apprentices will be those that have demonstrated personal commitment to the programme, have made a significant contribution to their workplace, and have exceeded employer expectations, resulting in measureable benefits and goals to the business.”
Mr Watts continued, “Apprentices are the lifeblood of our workforce as they are trained in the skills that are specific to our industry, and therefore, they can really make a significant and positive impact to the business. As the recession continues to bite, it is more important than ever that companies continue to think of their skills requirements long term. With a planned Government investment of £1 billion in apprenticeships by 2010/11 to strengthen the countrys competitiveness and help beat the downturn, this is the right time for employers to take on apprentices and Proskills can assist companies in accessing the funding available to
support apprenticeships.”
Over the past decade, the number of people taking apprenticeships has more than trebled, with 224,000 people embarking on an apprenticeship last year alone.