MERSEYSIDE business leaders are backing the Daily Post’s campaign to create 500 new Apprenticeships in the region.

Yesterday we launched the Skills for the Future campaign, in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), and urged companies across the city region to sign up to the Government’s Apprenticeship programme.

The NAS aims to bring about a significant growth in the number of employers offering Apprenticeships, helping to create a skilled workforce for the future.

Employers in the private and public sectors across Merseyside are being urged to consider taking on apprentices for the first time or to expand the number of apprentices in their workforce.

Economic development agency Liverpool Vision has agreed to recruit an apprentice, and its chief executive, Jim Gill, gave his full backing to the Daily Post campaign.

He said: “The Liverpool Vision board has recently agreed to recruit an apprentice as part of this initiative to work in our marketing department as an events assistant.

“Apprenticeships ensure companies develop the skilled workforce they require while creating opportunities for young people.

“This campaign is necessary for any employers who are looking to enhance their workforce. In the current climate, business and the public sector should seize these opportunities.”

Paul Rice, chief executive of Liverpool Commercial District Partnership, also backed the campaign saying: “It’s difficult to exaggerate the importance of Apprenticeships and the positive impact they can have on a business. Not only do employers get a happy, skilled workforce, but they also have the opportunity to mould young staff members into the fabric of their organisation.

“Apprenticeships give business owners a unique opportunity to build a talent base and I know from experience that it’s an initiative our members are fully behind.”

Private sector employers also say the campaign is vital if we are to have the skills to aid economic recovery.

Neil Sturmey, managing partner at accountants Grant Thornton Liverpool, said: “Apprenticeships are hugely important to employers, allowing them to train young people within the work environment, building on their academic and personal skills in tandem with industry specific knowledge and qualifications.

“Apprenticeship programmes help employers support the local marketplace and community, getting young people onto the career ladder and preparing them, and their workplace, for the eventual upturn in the economy.

“Although it’s tempting to cut back in difficult times, I strongly believe at times like these it's even more important to train people properly."

THE Daily Post Skills for the Future campaign wants to create 500 new apprenticeships on Merseyside.

Apprenticeships are available in 190 different job areas across private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

If you would like more information about how an Apprenticeship might benefit your business, go to www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/apprentice and register your interest.

A National Apprenticeship Service representative will contact you to discuss your needs.

Further information is available at www.apprenticeships.org.uk