AS the Worcester News 100 in 100 apprentices campaign for 2012 gathers momentum, a breakfast conference for Worcestershire businesses to explain the business and financial benefits of employing an apprentice is to be held at Sixways Stadium, Worcester, on Thursday, April 19. Called ‘Apprenticeships – Meeting the Local Demand’, the event will be in the Pitch View Suite from 7.30am to 9.30am.

Employers attending will learn about the benefits of employing an apprentice, the financial support available to them and advice on how to start the recruitment process. They will discover that employing an apprentice can be a cost-effective method of recruiting new staff, particularly in difficult economic times.

Employers who take on a 16 to 18-year-old apprentice only have to pay their salary as the Government funds the training. The benefits are not only financial, 80 per cent of employers who employ apprentices agree that they contribute to a more productive, motivated and satisfied workforce.

Sanctuary Housing Group, the leading housing association which has its headquarters in Castle Street Worcester, is one such business and currently employs 189 apprentices. David Bennett, Sanctuary Housing group chief executive said: “Our apprenticeship scheme seems to be an increasingly popular route among young people and we really value the difference apprentices make to our business.” A number of young people currently on apprenticeship programmes will be in attendance at the conference with their employers to share their experiences. There will also be the opportunity to meet local training providers and network with other businesses.

The conference is organised and delivered by the Worcestershire Training Providers Association in partnership with Worcestershire County Council and the National Apprenticeship Service.

Attendance at the conference is free but places are limited and must be booked in advance. All those attending will have the opportunity to win a professionally certified IT course and exam worth £1,250. TDM Wyre Academy is offering one lucky winner of the business card draw the chance to win a one week intensive training course at their training setup in Bewdley To book a place or for further information, call Lucy Mayo on 01905 766741 or email economy@worcestershire.gov.uk For more information on apprenticeships visit hwstpa.co.uk or apprenticeships.org.uk.