NATIONAL Apprenticeship Week, which aims to highlight work being done by employers and apprentices across the country, will take place next week, Monday to Sunday, February 8-14.

The will also recognise those companies who have risen to the challenge during the pandemic, a period of time where young workers have felt the harsh effects.

It has never been more important to shine a light on the opportunities that come with apprenticeships that not only benefit the apprentice but also employers, who are gaining a valuable member to their workforce.

I would encourage businesses across the two counties to celebrate their apprenticeship success stories and how they have benefited from the opportunity.

Bringing together apprenticeship ambassadors, MPs, training providers, apprentices, parents and employers, National Apprenticeship Week highlights the work being done across the whole apprenticeship community to promote apprenticeships and their impact.

Sharon Smith Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce chief executive

Sharon Smith Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce chief executive

For young people, Apprenticeships have been a fantastic earn while you learn incentive and have seen their popularity rise as a viable alternative to more tradition entry routes to the workplace for young people.

For employers, hiring apprentices is a productive and effective way to grow your workforce and develop a motivated and skilled workforce.

The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has supported the apprenticeship scheme for many years having always recognised the immense value of the scheme to both employers and apprentices.

We are very proud to be able to play an important part in the development and training of our future workforce and are pleased to say that many apprentices over the years have remained and progressed into senior roles within our organisation, becoming highly valued and respected members of our team.

Worcestershire Apprenticeships are running their selfie campaign throughout the week, encouraging apprentices to share a picture of what they do.

Worcestershire businesses are encouraged to promote these to shout about the great value that apprentices bring to the workplace.

The Chamber will be resharing businesses who join in on the campaign, make sure to tweet @HW_Chamber on twitter and include the #WorcsApprentice #NAW2021 and #BuildTheFuture and we will share your ‘Proud to be an Apprentice’ selfie.