SUCCESSFUL EVENT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND EDUCATION

Stockport Council hosted a successful event for over 40 members of the federation of small businesses and local schools and colleges at its new Apprenticeships Store.

The event gave participants the chance to explore how the two sectors can work more closely together to help young people enter the world of work.

The event was held on the evening of Thursday 8^th May, and was organised by the Council’s 14-19 Services and the National Apprenticeships Service. The event promoted Apprenticeships to small businesses and the benefits they bring to businesses.

This was an opportunity for 40 employers, college principals, and schools to explore ways of working together to help local residents. The Council’s PEEBS (People, Education, Employers, Brokerage, Service) website was promoted and well received by the attendees.

Pictured at the event are
(left to right) Jacob Parsons-McKnight; Samantha Leigh, and Richard Davis from ‘Whatz Amazin’ Business Support.

Stockport Council’s, Head of Participation and Education Services, Alison Cresswell opened the event and Nicky Martin, from the Skills Funding Agency, introduced the agenda. 

Samantha Leigh and Jacob Parsons-McKnight, Stockport Council Apprentice Ambassadors gave an outline of their experiences as Level 5 Higher Management Apprentices with the Council’s 14 – 19 Services.

The final speaker, Andy Holt of Digital Next, gave information on the benefits and successes of the company’s Apprenticeship programme.  Andy Holt offered to give informational talks to local schools and colleges about his programme.

The forum then broke into discussion groups to forge ways of improving the sharing of knowledge about Apprenticeships and how to increase the number of Apprentices within Stockport.

The meeting concluded with Chris Bagley from the Federation of Small Businesses thanking delegates for attending the event and hoping to hold future forums at the Apprenticeships Store.

Alison Cresswell said:

‘We are delighted that the event was so well attended by employers, schools and colleges. There are many ways for employers to get more involved with education and training, particularly Apprenticeships, and I would encourage employers interested in supporting young people to visit the Apprenticeships Store.’

For any more information regarding the event please contact The Apprenticeship Store (Units 4-6 Grand Central SK1 3TA) on 0161 474 4745.

Pictured at the event are (left to right) Jacob Parsons-McKnight, Samantha Leigh, and Richard Davis from ‘Whatz Amazin’ Business Support.