We're coming to the end of the UK's first ever Apprenticeships Week and several leading employers, such as Vodafone, Superdrug, Sainsbury's, Phones4u and Barchester Healthcare, have committed to adding over 4,000 apprenticeship places.

Optician Dollond & Aitchison, and Veolia, which provides waste management and logistics services that include waste collection and cleaning as well as materials recovery and recycling, are among a group of employers working with Government to pilot 'over-training'. Already running successful apprenticeship programmes, these companies are offering to train a greater number of apprentices than their own organisation needs in order to build up the skills in their local area and supply chain.

New research released this week by the Learning and Skills Council shows the significant benefits apprenticeships programmes can bring to employers. Some 88% believe apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

Henri Proglio, Veolia CEO, said:

"Veolia is the World's Leading Environmental Service group. In the UK it employs around 24,000 people. With more than 90% of these employees engaged in front-line jobs, we are convinced that we must invest in our people and give them opportunities for professional growth and development, while at the same time fostering initiative and individual responsibility. Apprenticeships are key to helping our Group achieve this goal."

The cleaning industry has long had a problem with recruiting and retaining good people and I wonder whether any companies have taken up the Government's apprenticeship challenge this week or indeed whether any were aware of it? If you're interested, you can find out more by visiting
www.lsc.gov.uk and www.dius.gov.uk/publications/

28th February 2008