With National Apprenticeship Week starting on Monday, Essex County Council are celebrating the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the economy in Essex.

Nationally, there are 25,000 apprenticeship vacancies currently available that cover 1,500 job roles in a wide range of industries, from engineering to accountancy, public relations to veterinary nursing.

In Essex last year 10,390 people started an apprenticeship and around the UK businesses report an average increase in productivity by £214 a week when they hire apprentices.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Infrastructure, Cllr Kevin Bentley said: “We are committed to helping young people in Essex achieve their full potential through learning as well as supporting employers, of all sizes to generate wealth, jobs and opportunities across the county.

“National Apprenticeship Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the success of young people both in apprenticeships and those now in full time employment. We also want to highlight to small and medium sized businesses the benefits an apprentice can bring, both for their business and for the career and educational aspirations of the young person.”

For young people, Essex County Council runs the Essex Apprentice programme, which has supported over 3,000 young people into an apprenticeship since 2009.

The programme also provides funding to businesses as an incentive to employ an apprentice aged 16-24 in a variety of high growth sectors.

The young people supported have had the opportunity to learn and work in sectors such as Creative and Digital, Energy, Engineering, Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and Social Care.

James, who has completed an apprenticeship in Warehousing and Storage in East Hanningfield with Ace Contracts (London) Ltd ,said he chose the apprenticeship because of its “tailored and flexible learning.”

James said: “It has given me a way into a well-structured company, with lots of training opportunities and chances to progress. I have achieved many different qualifications and learning experiences.”

The Vocational Training Centre (ACL) at Essex County Council also supports adults into apprenticeships within the business community of Essex. It offers Business Administration, Customer Service, Children and Young People’s Workforce, Health and Social Care, Supporting Teaching and Learning and Accountancy. There are also advanced apprenticeships in Management (level 3) and higher apprenticeships in Leadership and Management (level 5).

For information on apprenticeships through the Vocational Training Centre (ACL), please contact 03330 130417.

For information on the Essex Apprentice programme, please email apprenticeships@essex.gov.uk or find them on Facebook: Essex Apprentice and Twitter: @EssexApprentice.