Employers across the region, including charities, high-tech businesses and small companies, responded to the call to help provide jobs, creating an amazing 223 apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days.
The campaign, launched by Cambridge MP Julian Huppert with a pledge to take on an apprentice for his constituency office, was described as a “fantastic” success by Paul Brackley, editor of CRC’s project partner the Cambridge News.
“This is a fantastic result for a very important campaign,” he said. “We were delighted to support CRC’s efforts to create new opportunities for young people in our region, and it’s great news that the scheme has been such a success.
“I hope that the new apprentices and those who have hired them are starting working relationships together which will last well into the future.”
Angela Hughes, head of CRC’s apprenticeship training, said the campaign had also spread awareness of the benefits of becoming an apprentice and of employing one.
“We are absolutely delighted to have had such a hugely successful apprenticeship campaign,” she said. “Our target was to create 100 opportunities in 100 days and we have more than doubled that figure after a fantastic response from employers.
“The 100 campaign may have ended, but we expect the number of apprentices in training in the region to carry on increasing at a high rate – young people know there are opportunities out there and employers are happy to work with us to provide them.
“Our partnership with the Cambridge News has helped highlight the benefits of apprenticeships for business and for young people, and achieved real jobs with prospects for those who might otherwise be struggling to find employment.
“More and more businesses are recognising the financial advantages of employing apprentices, which is great news for the local economy and for us as a training college. Many of our students go on to become apprentices, and the more opportunities we can find for them and other young people, the better.”
Cambridge MP Julian Huppert, who recruited 18 year-old Mark Woodstock as an apprentice to workin his constituency office, said he was delighted to see the campaign far exceed its target.
“It’s great to see that businesses have embraced the challenge and stepped forward to work with the college to give people their first vital step on the jobs ladder.
“Businesses also benefit enormously from the apprenticeship scheme by helping people to develop specific skills that will help their companies grow.
“I hope the success of this initiative will encourage more businesses to get involved with the apprenticeship scheme in the future.”
For a list of CRC’s current apprenticeship vacancies, go to www.camre.ac.uk/Apprenticeships/App-vacancies
*******
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
For more information, please contact Lynn O’Shea, Communications & PR Manager, on 01223 418773 or email loshea@camre.ac.uk
__________________________________________________