Redditch Apprenticeship challenge – half way there

The Redditch Apprenticeship Challenge – for employers to commit to creating 50 new apprentices in 50 days – has reached its half way milestone.

Muffin Break, located in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, has committed to creating what will be the campaign’s 25^th apprenticeship.

Tony Taylor, Owner of Muffin Break, said: ‘We took our first apprentice on in 2011 through HIT Training and have been very pleased with how this has worked, so when we saw the Council's Apprenticeship Campaign we jumped at the chance to help.

“We hope more businesses will look at apprenticeships as a good vacancy filling option that benefits not only the business but helps a young person starting out.”

The Challenge was issued by Cllr Bill Hartnett, Leader of Redditch Borough Council.  He said: “Many companies, including MCS, Lexon and Peterson springs, have risen to the challenge and been incredibly supportive of the campaign.

But we still have 25 more to get and I would encourage any business that is considering creating an apprentice opportunity to contact us”.

The campaign was launched in January with an event at in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre. The Council have already created several new apprenticeships and are looking at ways that they can increase these. 

Chief Executive Kevin Dicks said: “This is a fantastic scheme and I am delighted the Council is supporting it and helping young people get back to work particularly in this current economic climate.

“I hope, with the continued help of local businesses we can meet our ambitious target of 50 apprenticeships.”

Other events include Worcestershire County Council’s Real Apprenticeship Event, an employers’ engagement event and a pop-up shop in the Kingfisher Centre, hosted by NEW College and Nova Training, where businesses and prospective apprentices can find out more about the scheme.