Solent LEP Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2016 and encouraging more employers to provide work-based learning for the Solent's young people.

The Solent LEP is committed to investing in skills, one of its key priorities for the region. Since 2010 it has supported world class skills facilities such as the investment of £6m into a Centre of Excellence for Engineering & Manufacturing Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST), £10.9m into a Centre of Excellence for Composites on the Isle of Wight and £9m into an upgrade to facilities at Eastleigh College. In addition the LEP has supported new opportunities for apprentices through the £1.5m Solent Employer Ownership of Skills Programme and is also committed to supporting apprentices through its own programme. 

Daniel Hughes, 23, joined the Solent LEP on a level 3 Business and Administration apprenticeship in April 2014 and has now progressed to his level 4 Business and Administration apprenticeship.

Daniel said:

Progressing to my level 4 apprenticeship has given me the ability to gain more qualifications, as well as improve my future career prospects. The skills I have gained through 'on-the-job' learning have improved my abilities and confidence measurably. I look forward to the remainder of my apprenticeship, as well as the various opportunities it will bring.

The Solent LEP has also taken on level 3 Business and Administration Apprentice Jessica Willmott.

Jessica, 20, joined the LEP in August 2015 after three years of entry level retail work.

Jessica said:

My apprenticeship at the Solent LEP is providing me with new skills, knowledge and exciting opportunities that I wouldn't have been able to get working with other organisations. This will help me to progress and improve my career prospects and I am really excited about what my future will hold because of this opportunity.

Anne-Marie Mountifield, Solent LEP Chief Executive, said:

National Apprenticeship Week celebrates apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.  Solent LEP is committed to supporting apprenticeships in general and we are delighted to be able to celebrate the success of our own scheme to date.  We are pleased to be in a position to expand our programme to now include a higher level apprenticeship programme within the Solent LEP team.

Find out more about the support on offer to help your business take on an Apprentice or Graduate at www.solentgrowthhub.co.uk