A spokesperson for a local training provider has detailed how recruitment issues are being faced during the current challenging times.
Erewash resident Tyna Burnett is part of Beeston-based WEBS Training which specialises in skills for people who work in the furniture industry which is particularly prevalent in the Long Eaton area, described locally as the furniture capital of the UK and home to a local guild of furniture manufacturers.
She said: "Things have hit local companies pretty hard over the past couple of years and we are nowhere near recovery from the impact the pandemic has had on so many small local businesses. Currently, we have had an influx of applicants for apprenticeships in the local area but as is always the case out of 12 applicants only one will get the apprenticeship and we are left with potentially 11 people keen for work and wanting to undertake training."
She is keen to get a message out about the struggles in taking on staff in these financially challenging times and how perhaps considering an apprentice could bring more hands to the deck to support others whilst they build the business back up.
The company she works for has set up a business services division which concentrates on Customer Service, Supply Chain Warehouse Operative, Team Leader-Supervisor and Trade Supplier.
Tyna added that there were some misconceptions about what age an apprentice should be. She said: "Many companies still think of Apprentices as being 16-25 year olds but the game has changed as have the standards. Now you can put exisitng members of staff on an apprenticeship to upskill them and strengthen their organisations and as long as they can manage on the apprenticeship wage - (unless the Employer pays them more at their discretion) anyone above the age of 16 can apply for an apprenticeship.
"I feel very strongly that this message has not yet gotten through to all employers and seek to put them straight about this and offer support and encouragement in other ways of building their workforce back up and develop a staff team with skills which are bespoke and customised to their company needs."
She is keen to get the message out further, particularly to local people looking for work. She said that this was "...including school leavers who progressed to college but who really would like to earn and learn in an apprenticeship but think they have missed the chance and parents, to educate them about new apprenticeships and development of a skilled trade which will serve their children for life.
"I believe there are dozens of people on our doorstep who may benefit from Apprenticeships and a large number of local companies who could help these people and themselves by taking on an apprentice."