Manufacturers support apprenticeships18 July 2014

Sheffield-based Numill and Dorset based Superior Seals have thrown their weight behind a nationwide push to champion apprenticeships for small businesses by joining Apprenticemakers, a free nationwide peer-to-peer support community for apprentice employers.

Anne Wilson from Numill and Ben Clarke from Superior Seals are also set to be keynote speakers for Apprenticemakers LIVE, a series of webinars designed to help businesses learn from businesses experienced in recruiting and employing apprentices.

Apprenticemakers has been developed by Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI) in conjunction with National Apprenticeship Service following a Government-backed review which explored how apprenticeships could be made more accessible to small businesses. The report highlighted the need for more peer-to-peer support if more small businesses were to take the plunge and employ apprentices.

Around 99% of all businesses in the UK are small businesses yet the proportion of those taking up apprenticeships has been estimated to be less than 10%, less than half that of larger companies.

Superior Seals, a manufacturer of o-rings and seals, takes on five new apprentices annually and has invested £1 million in a dedicated training academy.

Cutting tool manufacturer Numill currently employs three apprentices. Managing director said: "Some staff have been here many years; it's imperative that we look to transfer skills before we lose talent to retirement. Taking on an apprentice is good for young people, but we do it for the sake of the business too."

Apprenticemakers gives businesses an opportunity to share best practice and build networks around Apprenticeships so that all businesses can learn about the benefits it can bring. It also helps businesses join forces and tackle challenges that work best when working together such as; promoting your sector to local schools and colleges, and recruiting the best candidates.

You can sign up for Apprenticemakers LIVE in Manufacturing and Engineering, which is on 31 July at 12-1.00pm by going to the link below.

The picture shows the Superior Seals team.

Ian Vallely

Related Companies
Numill Ltd

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