Apprenticeships could be key to Cheltenham’s economic recovery

Employers in Cheltenham are being urged to share their views on apprenticeships as the town looks at how it can deliver a sustainable economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cheltenham Economic Recovery Task Force (CERT) hopes its business survey will lead to an increase in the number of companies taking on an apprentice or training staff through apprenticeships.

CERT aims to better understand perceptions of the training programmes – which now cater for those starting out, through to higher and degree-level courses – and how they can better support the town’s recovery.

Tracey Crews, director of planning at Cheltenham Borough Council and the local authority’s lead on the economic recovery task force, said: ‘We know there are often a lot of misconceptions around how apprenticeships work and the benefits they offer to employers.

‘This survey is a designed to gain a better understanding of some of these perceived barriers – and to help to positively engage a wider cohort of businesses in Cheltenham in the opportunities that apprenticeships offer.’

Andy Bates, chief financial officer of Gloucestershire College and chairman of the task force’s skills sub-group said: ‘Apprenticeships will play a large role in bridging skills gaps and future-proofing our local economy for years to come.

‘I would urge all employers to get involved with the survey and help us to help you.’

The survey is open until Monday 13 September 2021, with the results used to inform the ongoing roll-out of Gloucestershire’s apprenticeship programme.

To take part in the survey CERTF Employers questionnaire, visit surveymonkey.co.uk.

This article is part of SoGlos’s #BackToBusinessGlos campaign – made possible by Hazlewoods, Aston Lark and BPE – to champion Gloucestershire businesses as the county recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information, see soglos.com/backtobusinessglos