EU Project Launched to Increase Uptake in Apprenticeships

August 31, 2018

The launch of the Erasmus+ Regional Apprenticeship Alliance took place today (31st August) at Lagan Valley Island and was attended by representatives from local small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), education, vocational and training providers.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council was delighted to lead this 48,000 euro project, which after two years has created a valuable online toolkit to assist local employers recruit their first apprentice.

It is expected that more than 370 SMEs across Europe will play an active role in this project and gain a greater knowledge of contemporary apprenticeship programmes.

Alderman William Leathem, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, speaking about the project, said: “This online apprenticeship programme has been designed by nine partners from eight EU countries to better promote the advantages of SMEs taking on apprenticeship employees such as increased productivity and improved competitiveness in the marketplace. The online course will also encourage companies to work with training organisations to increase the skills base of their workforce, nurture new talent and in turn increase their potential for sustained expansion”

“The Council is committed to supporting local SMEs and through this project we can ensure that they are aware of how apprentices can assist them with start-up, innovation or growth problems.  All the partners of this project hope that both traditional and non-traditional sectors will utilise apprenticeships and that we will see an increase in ‘on the job training’ opportunities in the Lisburn Castlereagh area, Northern Ireland and Europe,” concluded Alderman Leathem.

Devised as part of this project the ‘Regional Alliance Online Toolkit’ is suitable for use by SMEs, training and intermediary organisations.  This online course highlights the advantage of taking on an apprentice and provides advice on planning, recruitment, employment and training of an apprentice.

All resources relating to the project are online at www.apprenticeshipalliances.eu and are free to use.