Semta’s backing for jobs initiative (From The Northern Echo)

Semta’s backing for jobs initiative

12:33pm Thursday 2nd February 2012 in News

AN organisation committed to helping firms recruit more apprentices and graduates last night gave its backing to The Northern Echo’s Foundation for Jobs campaign.

Semta, which is the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing, has launched a series of initiatives to provide advice, training and funding to encourage firms to invest in young people.

The Foundation for Jobs programme, launched last week by its patron, the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Justin Welby, aims to boost the job prospects of under-25s.

In association with Darlington Partnership, it aims to create at least 100 internships at firms in the borough and 100 apprenticeship places over the next year, as well as inspiring youngsters to develop entrepreneurial skills.

In addition, it will provide 1,000 youngsters with the chance to establish formal links with local companies, giving a genuine insight into the world of work.

Lynn Tomkins, pictured, Semta’s UK operations director, based at Wynyard Park, near Stockton, welcomed the campaign as an opportunity to showcase exactly what is being done to boost employment in the region.

She said: “Skilled people are becoming increasingly difficult to employ and retain, meaning there is a distinct skills shortage in the North- East. Upskilling our workforce is going to be critical for the survival of businesses.

“It is important campaigns such as this help publicise the support which is available to both businesses and prospective employees.

“With North-East unemployment at a record high, about 8,500 skilled workers due to retire in the next six years and a further 15,000 employees needing to improve their skills to ensure this region can continue to compete in the global market place, now is the right time to invest in people”

Only 16 per cent of companies in the North-East employ apprentices and Semta wants to significantly increase this figure over the next few years.