APPRENTICES could hold the key to economic growth in the North East, as new research reveals the region’s businesses are hiring them in record numbers.

The Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) publishes a report today which predicts apprenticeships will contribute £3.4bn a year by 2022 through increased productivity.

It reveals the number of apprenticeships in the region has risen from 13,460 in 2005/06 to more than 38,300 last year. Businesses in County Durham alone took on almost 8,000 in 2011/12, whilst Northumberland has more than 4,500.

Productivity Matters: The impact of Apprenticeships on the UK economy has been released to mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg welcomed the report’s findings. He said: “A record number of businesses are taking on apprentices across the North East where an extra 4,000 new apprenticeships started last year. The national number of people has topped half a million.

“We are making it as simple and rewarding for companies to take on apprentices because they are vital to Great British businesses.”

The Cebr states the average apprentice increases business productivity by £214 per week, leading to increased profits, lower prices, better products and higher wages.

The Cebr has also forecast the annual number of apprenticeships in the business, administration and law sector will rise from 74,000 in 2012/13 to 121,000 by 2021/22.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “This research confirms the economic importance of apprenticeships and sends a clear message that they deliver for employers, individuals and the economy.”

Last night, Washington and Sunderland West MP Sharon Hodgson said she wanted to see the Government doing more to support businesses in providing quality apprenticeship programmes.

She said: “I’m always pleased when I visit companies large and small who not just have apprentices, but place great stock in bringing young people on and giving them the skills that will form the basis of their career, and in most cases this works out great for both parties.

“But with almost a million young people out of work, it is clear the Government needs to do more to help firms create further opportunities for good quality apprenticeships.

“That’s why I’m calling on the Government to use the power they have in awarding public contracts to ensure that major works benefit young people in this way.”

To coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, which runs until Friday, North Tyneside Council is running a series of promotional events alongside employers and training providers.

The programme aims to highlight the wide-ranging benefits of apprenticeships, as well as encourage businesses to consider apprentices as a way of growing and developing their workforce.

Mayor for North Tyneside Linda Arkley said: “Apprenticeships are a great way to get on-the-job training while gaining invaluable experience and earning a wage.

“Throughout the week, we’ll be bringing local employers and our young people together via a range of events, with the aim of building relationships and creating even more opportunities for apprenticeships across the borough.”

For information about apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers of 16 to 24-year-olds, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk or call 0800 015 0600.

Gosforth teenager starts apprenticeship thanks to free course

A TYNESIDE teenager who longed for an apprenticeship has finally begun one, thanks to a new course and expert support.

Ross Cannell, from Gosforth, Newcastle, has been taken on as an apprentice by Amici’s Restaurants in Forest Hall.

The 19-year-old applied for a bundle of apprenticeships after leaving sixth form with BTEC qualifications.

He then joined a free, Access to Careers course with Access Training on the Team Valley in Gateshead.

It helped Ross develop the skills he needed to be successful at interviews and he is now working towards an advanced business administration apprenticeship at Amici’s Restaurants.

The family firm took him on to support its drive to grow the business, particularly its corporate catering provision.

Ross said the pre-apprenticeship course “gave me extra confidence and taught me how to show off my skills and enthusiasm in interviews”.

“I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship so far,” he added. “I’m going to be involved in helping grow the business through social media, as well as taking care of the office administration.”

The Access to Careers course is free for 16 to 24-year-olds and covers employability skills, CV writing, applying for apprenticeship vacancies and preparing for interviews.

It leads to an OCN Progression Award, while students also get one-to-one support to apply for apprenticeships across the region.

The course at the Skills Academy is government-funded and travel expenses are also paid. Sessions are held three days a week, over two weeks. For information and course dates call on 0191 490 2377 or email info@accesstraining.org