A SENIOR adviser to a creative industries apprenticeships scheme says more employers in the sector need to consider on-the-job training.

John Myers, employer services director for the National Apprenticeship Service in the North West, says demand for apprenticeships in the sector is outstripping supply – meaning there is a pool of enthusiastic young workers that firms could be tapping into.

He spoke following a warning from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) that skills shortages could prevent the North West sector achieving its growth potential.

Mr Myers is a member of the advisory panel for the Creative Break scheme, which creates apprenticeships with creative firms in Manchester and Merseyside.

He said: “Although apprenticeships have grown in popularity over the years, on-the-job training in this industry is still relatively new. We want to encourage many more employers to come forward and offer an apprentice an opportunity.

“It is imperative in this key sector for the economy that we provide more training opportunities for young people and immerse them in a creative environment, but we cannot do this without the support of businesses.

“The demand for apprenticeships from young people is at the moment higher than the corresponding number of employers offering them, so employers are missing out on some real talent. Take the Creative Break Apprenticeship Programme, for example – since its launch in 2010, over 300 apprentice enquiries have been generated.

“The Government fully funds the cost of training a 16-18 year old as an apprentice and, as well as bringing tangible benefits to a company, apprenticeships are good for the country’s economy, as they unlock fresh talent and provide labour markets with a steady flow of talented young people.

“We want to encourage businesses in the creative sector to take advantage of apprentices so they can combine practical learning with hands-on experience.”