Andrea is today announcing plans to launch her new ’50 in 50’ initiative to create 50 Jobs in 50 Days this summer. The announcement comes during National Apprenticeships Week, which celebrates apprenticeships and the contribution they make to getting young people into work.
Andrea has teamed up with Weston Spencer Group and committed to supporting local businesses to create local jobs for local people, with training to help them reach their full potential. The move is an ambitious drive to close the skills gap that means local businesses are often unable to find well-qualified people to take up positions, and will allow young people in the area to earn while they learn.
Andrea will be working with Weston Spencer Group to facilitate meetings between young jobseekers and businesses to work out where skills are lacking, and what apprenticeships are most appropriate to the people of Morley and Outwood and the businesses that will be supporting them.
The drive has received the support of the Minister of State for Skills, Nick Boles. Speaking in the House of Commons last week he said:
“I congratulate my honourable Friend on embracing the cause and on setting herself and local businesses the target of creating 50 new apprenticeships in 50 days, which will be of vast benefit to the people of Morley and Outwood.”
Commenting on today’s announcement Andrea said:
“Apprenticeships are a brilliant way to gain accredited qualifications, build your skillset, feel valued and contribute to your working environment from the very first day.
“I am a big believer that you only get out of something what you put in. As someone who worked my way up to management from the shop floor I understand how valuable on the job training can be, allowing people to develop a varied skillset that best meets the needs of their industry.
“I hope that local companies will grasp this opportunity whether it be to take on one apprentice or be part of a shared apprenticeship scheme offering people the opportunity to build skills in specific areas for shorter periods of time and learn from local experts, which will increase the talent pool for future recruitment long term.”