Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) has responded to government calls to get more apprentices into work by launching an incentive package, which will provide thousands of pounds worth of free training to firms.

Firms who commit to taking on an apprentice will in return receive a free training needs analysis worth £250, a £500 discount on NULC training courses and a range of other special offers on adult learning courses at the College for their employees.*

"We're very excited to be able to offer this opportunity to employers across North Staffordshire and the surrounding areas," said NULC's Head of Employer Training, Vicky Boulton-Clarke.

"Apprenticeships are a unique, low-cost and low-risk way of ensuring that your workforce has the practical skills and qualifications your organisation needs now and in the future.

"What's more, the College takes care of the entire apprentice recruitment process right up to the shortlist for final interviews.

"This provides the employer with significant cost savings in terms of recruitment fees whilst allowing them to make the final decision as to who will join the organisation.

"As we see it, working with employers to create opportunities like this are vital in supporting government agenda to reduce youth unemployment and crucial to developing skills that support economic growth."

NULC works closely with more than 400 local employers to provide Apprenticeships in areas including Accounting, Beauty Therapy, Business and Adminstration, Customer Service, Construction, Childcare, Electro-technical, Engineering, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Sport and Leisure, Retail and IT. This year the College also launched a partnership with Newcastle-based training provider Martec to offer Motor Vehicle apprenticeships.

With an apprentice salary starting at around £97 per week, employers can benefit from an extra member of staff and receive ongoing support from an experienced apprenticeship assessor who will visit the apprentice in the workplace to minimise disruption to the business.

To find out more about Newcastle-under-Lyme College's apprenticeships and other workplace training programmes visit www.nulc.ac.uk/employer or contact the Employer Training team on 01782 254376.