Members of the Working Together Partnership, a coalition of organisations, including Coast & Country Housing, visited businesses throughout Redcar to encourage them to create new apprenticeship opportunities. It was also an opportunity for the group to share information, advice and guidance regarding recruitment requirements, training needs, upskilling and available funding packages.
In total 103 businesses were visited with at least eight potential apprenticeship leads to follow up and opportunities for both full-time and part-time jobs, with one company stating it will require up to 20 people in the near future as the business expands.
The Partnership was set up to share and disseminate key information on activities within the labour market, which supports employer’s recruitment and workforce development needs, and to help residents of the borough maximise their employment potential.
Emma Grimes, Community Investment Manager at Coast & Country Housing who chairs the group, said: “It’s fantastic to have so many different organisations come together to focus on a common goal. We’ve had great feedback from the businesses we’ve visited, many of whom were unaware that there is funding assistance available for certain apprenticeships.
“The Partnership can help local people to find apprenticeship and work experience places, but we need more businesses and organisations in Redcar and Cleveland to open their doors to apprentices.
“Providing training opportunities for young people is crucial to the future development of the region’s economy. We must do our upmost to ensure that there are enough spaces for everyone who wants to join an apprenticeship or training programme.”
The Working Together Partnership is comprised of Coast & Country Housing, Routes to Employment, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Redcar & Cleveland College, Triage, People Plus, National Careers Service and Job Centre Plus.