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Southport College are celebrating the talent and skills of its current apprentices as well as highlighting the opportunities it offers to both employers and young people at this year’s Apprenticeship Week.

Apprenticeship Week is a national event aimed at to raising the profile of apprenticeships; work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers leading to national recognised qualifications.

Working closely with local employers, Southport College currently offers apprenticeships in Care, Hospitality and Hairdressing for employees aged 16 – 18.

Helen Eaton, Head of Employer Services at Southport College said “Statistics show that hiring an apprentice is beneficial to employers and one in five employers are hiring more apprentices to help them through the tough economic climate.“

For employers who are interested in working with Southport College to employ an apprentice there is currently a grant available of £2,500 to employers taking on 16 – 17 year old unemployed young people as Apprentices. This is only available until the end of March 2010. The £2,500 is additional to the cost of the training, which will continue to be funded.”

Apprenticeship Week is also an opportunity for potential learners to find out how studying on a work based apprenticeship can help them to reach their ultimate career goal. As an apprentice, you can earn while you’re learning and gain recognised qualifications as you work. In addition, apprentices on day release at Southport College can take advantage of the facilities available to students including Library Learning Centre, IT suites and even free gym membership.

Southport College’s Hairdressing apprentices attending day release classes are using Apprenticeship Week as an opportunity to raise money for charity. On Tuesday 2 February students will be welcoming members of the public into the salons to sample their services will all profits from the day going to the Haiti appeal. If you would like to book an appointment please call the salon reception on 01704 392660.

For more information about Apprenticeship Week, hiring an apprentice or becoming an apprentice, please contact Southport College’s Employer Services on 0845 00 66 506 or email employer@southport.ac.uk