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The 100 Apprenticeships campaign will be launched to the business community at a free breakfast meeting on Wednesday, February 13, at 7.45am in Kelham Hall.

Employers interested in taking on an apprentice will hear from businesses that currently employ them.

They will share their experiences and describe the benefits apprentices have brought to their business.

To register a place contact Julie Beresford on 01636 655277.

A recruitment and support service will form part of the campaign to help employers in appointing an apprentice.

A candidate pre-screening service will be provided, along with pre-employment training to give the young people industry experience before they start work.

Financial support is available through the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers.

This is a grant of £1,500 per apprentice, aged 16 to 24, available to employers that have not started an apprentice in the last 12 months and have up to 1,000 employees.

The grant can be claimed for up to ten apprentices.

Karen Woodward, divisional apprenticeships director with the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “We are delighted to support this initiative by Newark and Sherwood District Council.

“Apprenticeships can have a positive impact on businesses and the community and I hope this campaign encourages small businesses especially to take advantage of the support available — particularly the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers.

“I also hope that as many young people as possible get the opportunity to gain real, relevant qualifications while in good-quality employment as they embark on their chosen career.”

Employers with an apprenticeship vacancy who would like to pledge it to the campaign should contact April Berry at the National Apprenticeship Service on 0115 872 6361 or email april.berry@apprenticeships.gov.uk

The district council and Newark and Sherwood’s Employer Engagement Group are running an Apprenticeship Fair again this year.

It follows the success of last year’s event, which offered 18 businesses the opportunity to promote their apprenticeship vacancies.

In all 266 parents and students attended to find out more about local opportunities.

This year’s fair, sponsored by Newark Town Council, is on Tuesday, March 12, from 3pm to 7.30pm at Newark Town Hall, during National Apprenticeship Week.

The event provides the opportunity for employers to promote their apprenticeship vacancies free of charge to 16 to 24 year-olds.

Any business that has planned vacancies and would like to take a stand at the event should contact Julie Beresford at the council on 01636 655277.