The National Apprenticeship Service, in partnership with 20 local colleges and training providers, is challenging local businesses to increase the number of Apprenticeships in Yorkshire and Humber over the next 100 days.

The ‘100 Days Apprenticeship Challenge’, launched on 31st March 2014 is encouraging as many employers as possible to get involved before 8th July 2014.

The National Apprenticeship Service is the driving force behind this regional campaign and is delighted to have the support of many local partners.

This significant new initiative, which can be for new recruits and existing staff, supports businesses to find the right Apprenticeship for their needs and puts them in contact with a Training Provider that will work in partnership with them.

Apprenticeships have been going from strength to strength in the Yorkshire and Humber region, with over 60,000 apprenticeships starting in the last year. They are vital to the economy and help businesses grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. Skills shortages and recruitment difficulties are just some of the barriers businesses have to overcome, however apprenticeships offer a route to finding fresh new talent, with the relevant skills and qualifications required. 82% of employers who employ apprentices rely on their apprenticeship programme to provide the skilled workers they need for the future. Also, 81% of consumers favour using a company which takes on apprentices.

Anthony Knowles, head of employer accounts for the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with so many colleges and training providers on this exciting new campaign. The support of local businesses is vital if we are going to grow the skills base of our regional economy.

It will provide some much needed new opportunities for young people and by agreeing to take on an apprentice, employers are not only supporting their local community but they are also making a good business decision to grow their own talented workforce.

I would urge all employers to look at their current and future recruitment needs to see if there is somewhere they could take on an apprentice.”

An Apprenticeship is a way for young people and adult learners to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a qualification and a promising future in their chosen career. Last year over 500,000 people started an apprenticeship in over 200,000 workplaces.

If you are an employer interested in offering an apprenticeship place, please visit www.apprenticeshipchallenge.co.uk