News

30 January 2008

Harrogate company supports government initiative to 'Unlock Britain's talent and apprenticeships'

Harrogate-based media group, Barker Brooks, which produces the only comprehensive printed reference guide to apprenticeships in England, has welcomed the findings of the Government's Apprenticeship Review, announced today (28/1/08). The review urges employers to join forces with the government to unlock Britain's talent and help build a workforce with the skills to meet today's challenging global economy.

Jointly published by the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), the document entitled 'Ready for Work, Skilled for Work' calls on employers to open up job opportunities to a wider pool of potential employees and to increase their investment in training. In return, the government promises employers a central role in driving the changes they need as well as support in recruiting and training their workforce. The government has committed over £1 billion in funding to increase the number of apprentices in learning from 250,000 today to more than 400,000 by 2011 in order to fill employment gaps in British industry.

"We have been involved in the youth sector for a number of years and have long supported the value of vocational careers," commented Lucy Barker, CEO of Barker Brooks Media. "In 2006, we identified a need to inform young people about the full range of careers choices and, as a result, we published the first comprehensive Apprenticeship Guide with the help of the Learning and Skills Council. We are delighted to see the government's ongoing commitment to apprenticeships and, as a growing employer, we recognise how important it is for businesses to be able to draw upon a skilled workforce. It is essential that employers recognise the value of vocational learning - the public and private sector must join forces to help young people to fulfil their potential and play a positive role in the workplace."

Harrogate MP and chairman of the Innovation, Universities and Skills select committee, Phil Willis, commented, "I fully support the active role played by companies such as Barker Brooks in the youth careers sector - The Apprenticeship Guide continues to play an important part in helping young people to make well-informed life choices. It is crucial that this type of initiative is supported and that more organisations from the private sector are encouraged to join forces to help to create a skilled workforce able to compete effectively in the global economy."

Based at Cardale Park, Harrogate, the Barker Brooks Group is a rapidly-expanding, media-based company which employs over 50 staff.

For more information, visit www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk

All media enquiries:
Susan Reid or Jane Burgess

Barker Brooks Media (01423) 851150

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