APPRENTICES could help kick-start Nottingham's economy, it was claimed last night.
Nottingham Apprenticeship Hub aims to help businesses take on apprentices by offering financial incentives and support for employers.
It has been set up in a partnership between Nottingham City Council, the National Apprenticeship Service and the Department of Work and Pensions.
The launch was held at the city's Antenna Business Centre in Huntingdon Street, coinciding with the start of Confetti Media's Group's Creative and Digital Media Apprenticeship programme.
Jason Beaumont, a director at Confetti Media Group, urged businesses to hire an apprentice from Confetti's talent pool.
"Our main objective is to announce to employers about new opportunities for them to take on new apprentices, specifically in our area," he said.
"It is essential to kick-start trade in the city.
"There are a lot of talented people looking for opportunities. The exciting thing for the youngsters is that we want all our apprenticeships to lead to a job. If the company sees the value they will get a full-time job and that's the main aim."
Nottingham City Homes has committed to taking on an apprentice.
Martin Valentine, head of communications and marketing for NCH, said: "We are going to get them to make movies and we want them to do a lot of web stuff. This person potentially would be right in the thick of it. They would come out with a resume of interesting work."
Neil Fowkes, head of business development at South Notts College, added: "They have got more of a chance with their life, more of an opportunity and a contribution to society. Employers benefit and Nottingham benefits."
A city council spokesman described the scheme as a "virtual hub". He said the council would be working with employers and the job centre.
Nottingham city councillor Nick McDonald, portfolio holder for jobs, skills and business, said: "We need to do more in Nottingham. Apprenticeships are the beginning of a career and that's what differentiates from a normal job. We hope for lots more apprenticeships and we want to see Nottingham as a leading city for apprenticeships."
Has your business taken on an apprentice? Call our newsdesk on 0115 9482000 or e-mail newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk
