MEMBERSNEWS
Chambers support -
over 15,000 young people explore apprenticeships Chambers of Commerce across the country are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with a range of events, having already supported over 15,000 young people so far through Your Future Careers Fairs.
Jo Anne Smith, HR GO Kent regional director, and Sam Northeast, captain of Kent, celebrate HR GO sponsorship of the Harris Room at The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury.
Howzat!
Ashford-based recruitment firm HR GO is the new title sponsor of Kent Cricket’s largest hospitality lounge. The company will provide staff for matches and events, as well as parties and functions at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury, and the County Ground, Beckenham. The HR GO Harris Room can cater for up to 250 guests, with almost 100 seats on the balcony giving panoramic views of The Spitfire Ground. Jo Anne Smith, HR GO regional director for Kent, said: “We see our partnership with Kent Cricket as a great opportunity to develop the HR GO brand. We look forward to this partnership going from strength to strength.” Kent Cricket commercial director Emma Santer said: “We’re delighted to welcome a Kentish company that is a big player on the national stage and we see their brand as a perfect fit for us. “Their passion for people is at the heart of any strong business and I hope visitors and supporters enjoy the hospitality services provided by their staff in the HR GO Harris Room.” Learn more about HR GO, Kent's largest and longest-established recruitment group on page 24.
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ThinkingBUSINESS April - May 2016
Chambers of Commerce across England have been involved with delivering Your Future events, which are designed to raise awareness of the career options available to young people, including apprenticeships, and more than 16,500 14-24 year olds have participated nationally so far.
Across the country, an extra 21 events are planned during National Apprenticeship Week, which are expected to attract around 8,000 students. The scheme works with local businesses to help bridge the gap between the worlds of education and work, to highlight the options available to students, as well as the skills needed to enter the workplace. So far, around 500 national businesses have participated in the scheme through Chambers of Commerce. Marcus Mason, Head of Business, Education and Skills at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Your Future events taking place this week help raise the profile of apprenticeships, which are of benefit to businesses, individuals and the whole UK economy.
“The recently highlighted challenge of promoting apprenticeships in schools is an issue that Chambers of Commerce are tackling, through the Your Future events and by working closely with the Skills Funding Agency, to highlight the breadth of career options available through apprenticeships. “Through Chambers, local firms can link up with schools, highlight career opportunities, and dispel the myth that the only route to success is a university degree. “We will continue to help local businesses connect with education and training providers, to raise the visibility of apprenticeships and address the skills gap across the country.”
Through Chambers, local firms can link up with schools, highlight career opportunities, and dispel the myth that the only route to success is a university degree.