A CAMPAIGN to boost apprenticeships in Wiltshire is progressing well, with a business engagement programme from the council now underway.

Development officers from council’s Employment and Skills team are visiting business leaders across the county to offer advice on how they can get their company involved with an apprenticeship programme.

The team of development officers have already met with staff from a range of organisations, from large scale industrial employers to small and medium sized businesses and schools. But they are keen for more employers to get in touch.

The campaign seeks to grow the numbers of apprenticeships available in the county, urging more businesses to sign up to a scheme, and with a particular focus on encouraging learners to develop through the apprenticeships programme, up to higher and degree apprenticeships.

Fleur de Rhe-Philipe, Wiltshire Council cabinet member with responsibility for economic development and skills, said: “The campaign is still in its early days, but it’s got off to a great start. It is not just focused on increasing numbers, but about delivering real value to those considering an apprenticeship, or a business potentially taking one on.”

Over the coming year a raft of media opportunities, business events and school engagements will be designed to push forward the county’s aspirations around growing apprenticeships.

On average there are around 5,000 apprenticeship starts each year in Wiltshire. The Government’s aspiration is for three million starts nationally. Keeping up with national aspirations will mean that by 2019/20 Wiltshire will need to increase starts to 6,750.

Last year, just 40 individuals achieved a higher apprenticeship in the county, while 40 per cent of all apprenticeship starts are at Level 3.

Anyone from the business community who would like to arrange a meeting with a development officer in order to gather more information about apprenticeships can now get in touch on 01225 713217.

Also anyone interested in finding out more about apprenticeship opportunities in the county should visit workwiltshire.co.uk