Norfolk: New Apprenticeships on Offer

16 February 2012, 06:13 | Updated: 16 February 2012, 07:24

Apprenticeship opportunities in Norfolk are set to increase following an investment package from the County Council.

More than 500 hundred young people could be helped to get a foot on the employment ladder thanks to the £4.5 million investment, which comes the day after unemployment figures hit a 16 year high.

Norfolk County Council Leader Derrick Murphy explained, "We have some fantastic small and medium enterprises in Norfolk.  But I know that many are feeling the effect of the economic climate.  We want to help those businesses."

The businesses will be able to bid for council funding from a pot of £3 million to enable them to take on an apprentice.  A further £500,000 will be spent on increasing the profile of aprenticeships among young people to demonstrate they offer real career options.

Councillor Murphy added, "By assisting young people to get an apprenticeship and ownership of vocational training they will be able to increase their capacity by developing a high skilled worker.  By providing the funding for businesses to take on an employee we are offering sustainable growth for our economy and a lasting skill for young people.'

Derrick Murphy - Norfolk County Council Leader

Small and medium sized businesses that want to express an interest in setting up an apprenticeship position should contact apprenticeships@norfolk.gov.uk