Apprenticeships are a way for employers to up-skill their current employees, future proof their workforce and support people of all ages to get experience of the workplace. They are extremely beneficial to both employers and apprentices.

That’s why Buckinghamshire Business First is partnering with Opps in Bucks on these events in March with the aim of  bringing together businesses with a need for young talent and young people looking to become an apprentice or trainee.

There are three events in all:

• March 7, Beaconsfield – for businesses in the creative sector
• March 14, Aylesbury – for businesses in ALL sectors
• March 21, High Wycombe – for businesses in ICT and engineering

On hand will be our team of experts, local apprenticeship providers and an employer and an apprentice with success stories to share.

There will also be a chance to have one to one meetings with the young people interested in filling your vacancies; a chance for you to meet the talent of the future and take steps to secure them for your vacancies.

What are the benefits of apprenticeships?

• 70% of employers say that apprenticeships improved product quality and service
• The cost of apprenticeship training pays for itself within a couple of years of completion through increased productivity
• 83% of apprentices say their career prospects improved and complete their apprenticeship with highly marketable skills that make it more likely for them to remain employed, including with the same employer
• Apprenticeships create real benefits for the taxpayer and the wider economy, providing a typical return of £26-28 per £1 of government investment

Learn about the changes to apprenticeships

The way that apprenticeships are funded and managed is changing, with the introduction of the apprenticeship levy and new apprenticeship standards.

Learn more about this, as well as what local providers are doing to help businesses take on a apprentice >

Get involved with #TalentTuesday

#TalentTuesday isn't a hashtag for nothing, we’d like you to get involved on Twitter with all things apprenticeships.

Do you have a positive apprenticeship story to share? Are you looking for more information about apprenticeships? Are you, or have you been, an apprentice yourself?

Whatever you connection to apprenticeships, get involved!

Remember to follow Buckinghamshire Business First on Twitter at @bbfuk.