A NEW Apprenticeship Hub offering free support for young people aged 16 – 25 in Basildon, Canvey Island and Harlow has been launched.

Run by a dedicated team, the ECC Apprenticeship Hub will support residents to find and apply for apprenticeships, while offering group sessions on things like how to complete applications and interview techniques.

The Hub will also support local businesses to recruit an apprentice by helping them identify how apprenticeships could work for them, finding them a training provider to work with, supporting them to secure funding and assisting with recruiting a suitable apprentice.

Working with the Essex Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service (EALTS), the team will help match businesses wanting to fund their apprenticeship training costs in full through a levy transfer with a levy donor organisation.

Apprenticeships are available across a range of careers and industries, as well as at different education levels up to degree apprenticeships – which offer the opportunity to earn a wage whilst studying, with tuition fees covered by your employer.

More people are opting for an apprenticeship as a great way to launch their career or to retrain and start a new career path.

Cllr Tony Ball, ECC Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “At Essex County Council we have been supporters of apprenticeships for a long time. We offer many apprenticeship opportunities within our own organisation and support businesses via our Essex Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service.

“We are now extending this support by launching the Apprenticeship Hub to help not only businesses, but also young people across three of our Levelling Up areas, so they can access apprenticeship opportunities and start new, exciting careers.”

Residents and businesses can contact the team directly for help and support.

If you are an employer wishing to pledge an apprenticeship, or a young person looking for support to start your new career, please email [email protected] or call 0333 032 2591. You can also find out more information about apprenticeships on the Essex Opportunities website.

As part of ECC’s campaign to promote apprenticeships, businesses are also being asked to help create 100 new apprenticeship opportunities in 150 days.

Firms can get involved by contacting the Apprenticeship Hub and pledging to hire an apprentice in the next 150 days.