Sunderland Echo

Getting info on apprentice­ships

- By Kevin Clark kevin.clark@northeast-press.co.uk Twitter: @kevinclark­jp

A one-stop shop to make it easier for students and businesses to get the lowdown on apprentice­ships on Wearside has gone live.

Sunderland College’s new online apprentice­ship hub – www.sunderland­apprentice­ships.co.uk – provides a starting point for anyone interested in an apprentice­ship, as well as businesses that are looking to sign up apprentice­s.

Sunderland College principal and chief executive Ellen Thinnesen said: “The launch of this site is a real step forward for the college, in terms of creating an engaging platform through which we can share with people and businesses the many benefits of apprentice­ships.

“With that focus comes policy-change, and the apprentice­ship levy – which will impact on businesses big and small – is something that has left a lot of questions in the minds of many employers.

“Our website provides a breadth of informatio­n to ensure that businesses are completely up-to-date with everything to do with apprentice­ships, including regular updates on apprentice­ship reforms and the levy and the implicatio­ns that these will have on businesses.

“And of course, for many young people, it will become a site on which they can find opportunit­ies that represent their next step on the career ladder.”

The website was led by the college’s business engagement team, who work with employers across the region, and have shaped its content to ensure it addresses the questions frequently asked by employers.

Iain Nixon, executive director of commercial activity at Sunderland College, said: “Many employers have questions about apprentice­ships, in terms of what they can expect the process to look like, and what they need to do as an employer to meet their obligation­s and get the best possible results.

“We want to show businesses just how easy they can be and a key part of that is working with businesses through the process.”

Philip Foster, chief operating officer at Sunderland Care and Support, said: ““This site will provide a really reassuring first port of call for businesses keen to find out more.”

 ??  ?? Ellen Thinnesen, Sunderland College principal and chief executive.
Ellen Thinnesen, Sunderland College principal and chief executive.

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