500 apprenticeships to be created in Staffordshire

Ben Dellicompagni, the Stafford-based boss of the Francesco hair salon chain, has brought together business chiefs from throughout the county to create the opportunities.

Along with the hairdressers, they include Perkins Engines in Tixall and Emma Bridgewater in the Potteries.

There will also be posts available at The Lewis Partnership, BT, Alstom, KMF, Wade Ceramics, Rydale Roofing and HIT Training.

KMF will be recruiting 10 engineering apprentices and two business admin apprentices and 30 adult apprenticeships.

Mr Dellicompagni said: "I truly believe that apprenticeships provide the best way for aspiring young hairdressers to achieve their goal of full time employment.

"Anyone choosing a vocational path should consider an apprenticeship. Together with the other leading businesses committed to the pledge, I hope that we can raise awareness of the opportunities that are available to young adults."

Garry Warrilow, apprentice officer for Alstom, said: "It's vital to our business in Stafford and around the country that we help develop the next generation of engineers who can help us keep the country's lights on through our work with power station and electricity grid operators.

"I really would urge anyone who has an interest in engineering and who isn't sure about A levels or university to consider apprenticeships as a viable, interesting option that gives them real hands-on experience."

Linda McQuade, training manager at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: "By investing in short term training through apprenticeships, companies will be able to reap long term benefits in the form of a more highly skilled and productive workforce.

"Traditionally, construction and manufacturing have seen the value in apprenticeships but now other sectors are starting to invest heavily and this is fantastic news for the wider economy as a result of higher wages, increased taxes and lower unemployment.

"The apprentices themselves can look forward to increased job prospects, higher salaries, improved self-confidence and a stronger sense of direction as a upshot of vocational training. We want young people to know that an apprenticeship is a viable route into employment and we want employers to understand the value that apprentices can bring to their business, the pledge to raise awareness can only be a good thing for business in Staffordshire."