Apprenticeship scheme proves a major success

Buy photos » Kevin Dicks, Redditch Borough Council’s chief executive, with Shola Hair Creations owner Shola Agidee. (s)

A BOROUGH scheme aiming to create 50 apprentices in 50 days has reached its target a week ahead of schedule.

Redditch Borough Council launched the project at the end of January, calling on businesses to create apprentice positions in a bid to get people in to work.

Since then, the council has been highlighting the benefits apprenticeships have for both individuals and companies, as well as the financial support on offer to firms to help with wages and training costs.

Yesterday (Thursday), the authority announced its 50th sign up at Shola’s Hair Creations in the town centre.

Business owner Shola Agidee, who recently relocated to the Market Walk site having been based at Mount Pleasant for more than a decade, said she had been inspired by the scheme to take on her first apprentice.

Chief executive Kevin Dicks said the target had been to hit 50 before Thursday (March 28).

“At this rate I think we may break the barrier as we are hopeful even more companies will consider taking on an apprentice during the coming week.”

Council leader Bill Hartnett, who started his own working life as a manufacturing apprentice, said: “I’m really proud we have reached the 50 and there’s still a few days to go so we could get even more.”

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