MP BACKS PIONEERING NEW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

Aidan has attended and spoken of his support for a pioneering new social media apprenticeship programme aimed at creating much-needed employment opportunities for young people across Staffordshire.

Aidan last Friday attended a presentation where interested local firms were invited to find out more about the social media marketing apprenticeships being run by Cannock Chase companies SSC Learning from Hednesford and Passionate Media from Bridgtown. After the presentation, Aidan met with SSC Director Ian Shepherd, CEO of Spartan Digital Media Solutions Chris Pattihis and young apprentice Andy Sparks as well as young people from Cannock Chase interested in becoming apprentices.

Training specialists SSC Learning are looking for local businesses interested in taking on an apprentice to handle their digital marketing. Throughout their apprenticeship, the young people will receive training and support from media specialists, Passionate Media. Each of their places cost around £2,500 to £4,500, and are funded by the Government's Skills Funding Agency.

Commenting after the event Aidan said: "I would urge all local employers to get involved in this fantastic initiative which is providing great opportunities for young people here in Cannock Chase and across Staffordshire

"Apprenticeships are central to the Government's strategy to deliver growth and build a sustainable economy. They not only help and support people gain the skills they need to succeed and progress in their careers but also help employers to build a workforce with the motivation and expertise they need to compete globally."

Provisional data for the full 2010/11 academic year shows that apprenticeship starts increased by over 50% to 442,700. In Cannock Chase 1,190 people started an apprenticeship in 2010/11 compared with just 580 in 2009/10. This represents an overall increase in the number of people starting apprenticeships of 610 in the last year. (Picture from left to right: Andy Sparks - Social Media Apprentice at Spartan Digital Media Solutions, Aidan Burley MP, Ian Shephard - Director SSC and Chris Pattihis - CEO Spartan Digital Media Solutions)

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