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MP backs £50,000 apprenticeship fund

Newton Aycliffe companies that want to offer apprenticeships could receive a share of a £50,000 pot made available by three organisations.

£30,000 was contributed by the National Apprenticeship Service, while a further £10,000 came from Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) and £10,000 was contributed by the Neighbourhood Budget of late Councillor Enid Paylor.

The scheme will support 20 new 15-month roles in the Newton Aycliffe area, each of which can receive a £2,500 grant.

Labour MP for Sedgefield, Phil Wilson, has put his weight behind the scheme, which he called “hugely innovative.”

The project hopes to deal with high levels of unemployment amongst young people in the region by helping businesses to create new job opportunities.

Mr Wilson commented: “This is a fantastic initiative and I applaud GAMP and the council’s Employability Team for taking a hugely innovative approach to tackling youth unemployment.

“Opportunities for young people are ever decreasing and we need ideas like this to encourage local firms to give young local people a shot at getting their foot on the ladder, and ultimately help to stimulate local business.

“It’s also nice to see money from the late Councillor Enid Paylor’s Neighbourhood Budget being put to a scheme like this, with a proviso that the new Apprentices are recruited from the Aycliffe and Middridge area only, which is an exceptional tribute to her and one I know her family will be proud of.”

Adam White, GAMP co-ordinator, added: “One of GAMPs’ key priorities is employment, enterprise, education and training.

“This initiative brings together local employers, the Area Action Partnership and colleagues within the council’s Employability Team with an aim of boosting, not only the job prospects of young people, but the businesses themselves.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .