Posted: 29/03/11
College’s approach to apprenticeship agenda praised
An event hosted by the National Apprenticeship Service for the East Midlands (NAS) saw West Nottinghamshire College praised for their ‘can do’ attitude towards promoting the Government’s apprenticeship agenda last week (25 March).
The event, run in conjunction with the college, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and NAS, was held at the college’s Derby Road campus in Mansfield with the theme of ‘Apprenticeships for Business’.
The networking event concentrated on how getting people working is a vital element of driving private sector growth and apprenticeships form an important part of the solution to the UK’s employment and skills challenges.
Business leaders from SMEs in the East Midlands such as Alliance Boots plc, DB Schenker, Experian and Imperial Tobacco Ltd were present at the event, which focused on the reasons why apprentices are good for business and how the CBI are prioritising the building of businesses’ involvement in apprenticeships.
Guest speakers were Karen Woodward, regional apprenticeship director for NAS East Midlands and Simon Nathan, senior policy advisor for education and skills at the CBI and the college’s principal and chief executive Asha Khemka OBE.
Mr Nathan said: “I was very impressed with the college’s ‘can do’ attitude towards providing training solutions for employers. The Vision Apprentices scheme in particular will be invaluable in supporting local SMEs to access the benefits of apprenticeships.
“The CBI’s apprenticeship work with the Government is about creating a framework where more employers can take on apprentices and gain the productive skills that will help their businesses grow. The best providers are the ones who listen and provide a training package that meets employers’ needs. Asha and her team exemplify that approach.”
