‘100 apprentices in 100 days’ challenge to Grantham College by MP Nick Boles

Grantham MP Nick Boles has challenged Grantham College to find 100 apprentices in 100 days.

The challenge comes as National Apprenticeship Week approaches – March 9-15 – and aims to rally local businesses.

Mr Boles said: “As minister responsible for apprenticeships I am proud that we have created 2.1 million apprenticeships since 2010, more than double the number in the previous five years. But we need to go further to create opportunities for young people.

“So in National Apprenticeship Week I achallenging Grantham College to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days and I hope that local employers will work with the college to help them meet this challenge.”

Grantham College has offered a broad range of apprenticeships in response to local needs for over 30 years, from accounting to construction, health and social care to engineering. It is using National Apprenticeship Week as a chance to highlight the fact that apprenticeships are thriving in England. The week-long focus on apprenticeships will see companies, apprentices and providers celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact that they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

Work-based learning manager Paul Ward said: “Apprenticeships bring real skills, outstanding value and long-term benefits to businesses. Apprentices gain industry recognised qualifications, desirable work skills and a real foundation in their chosen careers.”

The college apprenticeship team has a wealth of sector knowledge and has built up great relationships with companies operating in Lincolnshire and surrounding counties, including forward-thinking businesses such as BGB Engineering and Anglian Water.

Grantham College said it prides itself on partnership work and has assisted multiple companies with their annual recruitment of apprentices for several years, helping to secure the skills for the future. These on-going, trusted relationships demonstrate the strong links that Grantham College builds with employers.

Assistant principal, services for business, Alison Fox said: “Apprenticeships are a tried and tested way to recruit staff for businesses and bring in fresh ideas. The benefits are significant and forward thinking companies recruit apprentices’ year on year.

“The question is can you afford not to recruit apprentices?”