South Yorkshire’s mayor has announced plans to create 300 new apprenticeships in the region by 2026.
To achieve this, a new apprenticeship hub will launch later this year as a two-year pilot. It will serve as a one-stop shop where businesses, apprentices and anyone hoping to start an apprenticeship can seek information, advice and guidance.
Based at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority offices in Sheffield and delivered through the South Yorkshire Colleges Partnership launched last year, the hub will provide help for businesses, particularly SMEs, to access technical talent across the region.
Progression pathways and opportunities into and out of high-quality level 2 and 3 apprenticeships will also be available.
The hub will also help to develop a public sector approach to apprenticeships, including flexi-job programmes.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s mayor, said as part of the announcement on the hub and plans for 300 new apprenticeships: “South Yorkshire doesn’t just need a bigger economy, we need a better economy.
“But if we’re going to get there, and if everyone is going to be able to access the jobs and opportunities that new economy will bring, we need make sure people have the right education and skills.
“That’s what this new Apprenticeship Hub is all about; offering people, organisations and businesses a ‘one-stop shop’ for all the information and support they need to get the right skills, in the right place, so we can all benefit from a better, bigger South Yorkshire economy.”
Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, a councillor and leader of Barnsley Council, added: “The new apprenticeship hub will help to support local people, organisations and businesses across South Yorkshire, finding opportunities so that everyone can fulfil their learning potential, helping them build the skills they need to get into work and progress their careers.”
