TWENTY-THREE Worcestershire businesses came together to support the drive for more apprenticeships in the Wyre Forest district and give their support to the Worcester News 100 in 100 campaign, which aims to have 100 county companies take on apprentices in 100 days.

At the event hosted by the Community Housing Group at its head office in Foley Grove, Kidderminster, on behalf of the National Apprenticeship Service, employers had an opportunity to hear how apprenticeships not only give a young person a chance to train for a career, but also how they can add real value to businesses.

Marina Banner, executive director of Vestia and TCHG corporate services, said: “We have a very successful apprenticeship programme within the group and felt that this was a great opportunity to share our experiences of how it can work effectively.

“We are really committed to promoting apprenticeships and hope to encourage other organisations to consider young people as a worthwhile investment.”

Guest speakers included representatives from Thomas Vale Group, CHG Property Services, the National Apprentice Service, Worcester-shire Community Foundation and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

Attendees were given practical advice from employers already running an apprenticeship programme as well as details of “start-up” funding from the Worcestershire Community Foundation’s 100 club. But it was the apprentices themselves who stole the show as they spoke passionately about how much they have gained from their apprenticeship.

John Wootton, assistant surveyor/supervisor with CHG Property Services, of Kidderminster, said: “I cannot stress how important the ‘on the job’ experience was and learning from qualified trades people.

“They helped me put the theory I got from college into practice and you learn so much more by doing.”

Scott Talbot, construction management trainee with Thomas Vale Group, of Stourport-on-Severn, said: “Being an apprentice with Thomas Vale Group has given me so many opportunities.

“I found the training part of the apprenticeship really challenging as you have to put the hours in to get the results.

“But you come away with a nationally recognised qualification and for me, an opportunity to build a career in construction management which I would never have had a chance to go for.”