OUR campaign to have 100 Worcestershire businesses take on apprentices in 100 days is picking up pace with 10 companies already on board.

Within a week of the launch five companies signed up and a further five have quickly followed suite.

The latest five companies to take on apprentices are: Resource Group, St Augustine School, Ninety-Five Creative, Bosch Thermotechnology and Boston Matthews.

The 100 in 100 campaign aims to benefit the business community, young people and the local economy by giving school leavers their first step on to the jobs ladder, supporting young people into education and a lifelong career and providing tools for businesses to grow their workforce and increase productivity.

Among those who have taken part in an apprenticeship programme is Sian Webley, who won commerce apprentice of the year at the Worcester Group Training Awards and is employed by NHS Worcestershire as an administrative support officer but is also training to be a medical secretary.

She said: “I’ve found the style of learning throughout my apprenticeship beneficial as I’ve learned to manage my time and workload efficiently.

Frances Roberts, Worcestershire employer services manager for the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), said: “It is pleasing so many learning providers and partners are working with the NAS and the Worcester News to engage with more employers in Worcestershire to offer a career pathway for young people and for those employers to reap the benefits apprenticeships bring to their business.”

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