Employers can set an example

Apprenticeship schemes for 18 and 19-year-olds are funded by the government, meaning firms can cover the National Insurance cost of taking a youngster on.

A recent employment survey in Kirklees found that 322 businesses in the district were interested in taking on apprentices.

John Croft, 32, of Mirfield building firm D Croft and Sons, secured an apprenticeship at the age of 16, finishing his course in 2000.

He is now company director in his family business and believes his early experience learning the

trade has been invaluable.

“My apprenticeship taught me a skill. If the business went into a downturn tomorrow and I lost my job, I could go out and lay bricks because I learned that skill early on,” he said.

John said that the biggest problem for firms was impatience among hungry young apprentices, who thought they could run before they could walk.

He added: “These schemes give you an insight. It teaches you every part of the job.”

For those firms who take on apprentices, 80 per cent say their young charges improve productivity and a further 81 per cent of customers say they would prefer to do businesses with companies that employ apprentices.

The Dewsbury-based manufacturing outfit Rixonway Kitchens has recently been named as a Yorkshire and the Humber apprenticeship ambassador for the National Apprenticeship service.

There are six apprenticeships up for grabs in 2012 at the firm, including roles in accountancy, administration, warehouse management and engineering.

Chief executive Paul Rose said: “Having used apprentices in accountancy and administration positions, Rixonway are now supporting the expansion of the number of apprentices into other areas of the business.

“We understand the benefits that a skilled and accredited workforce brings and feel the investment we make in employing apprentices provides good value for money.

“It makes sense for us to consider creating other apprentice roles as we reap the benefits from increased productivity and improved customer service.”