Apprenticeship scheme for South Yorkshire businesses reaches new milestone

A new scheme that provides apprenticeship advice and support to businesses across South Yorkshire has reached a key milestone.

The South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub has advised 100 small to medium sized businesses since it launched.

The hub provides free and impartial advice to Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield businesses, connecting them with the best training provider for their needs.

Led by Keith Richardson and Claire Eley, the hub team has been visiting employers around the region and also meeting them online to provide consultancy advice.

The hub’s remit is to help businesses find out about the benefits of apprenticeships and support them with the practical steps involved in recruiting an apprentice.

This offer includes a consultation service, which is fully funded and means there is no cost to the business.

Keith Richardson, Manager, South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub, said: “It is very encouraging to see businesses getting in touch to find out how we can help them to sign up to and benefit from recruiting apprentices.

“Since the hub launched, we have supported over 100 businesses by providing impartial guidance and information.

“Training new talent and upskilling staff is vital to developing the workforce of the future as well as improving productivity and solving hard-to-fill vacancies. Apprenticeships are a great way of achieving those goals.”

Claire Eley, Coordinator, South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub, added: “We are particularly keen to support businesses that have not taken on apprentices before. We are offering consultations in person as well as online.

“We support employers to identify skills gaps and provide guidance on navigating the apprenticeship system and would urge more businesses to get in touch.”

The hub team has recently been further strengthened with another member of staff Vicki Eadson.

“The appointment of Vicki to our team is of great importance to the project. The early demand has been significant and having an additional expert resource will enable us to continue to provide the highest quality service to regional employers,” added Keith Richardson.

The hub is funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority (SYMCA) and the South Yorkshire Colleges Partnership, and officially launched in December 2023. It is based at SYMCA’s office on Broad Street West in Sheffield. 

Apprenticeships enable young people and adults to earn as they learn on-the-job skills, study a qualification, progress in a career and gain employment afterwards.

Part of the hub’s remit involves raising awareness amongst young people and parents and carers and matching apprentice candidates to vacancies.

Visit the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub to find out more. Book a consultation today.