Firms sign up to create more than 100 apprentice roles

Pupil’s at last month’s careers fair

A Surrey County Council drive to use its spending clout to create apprenticeships has raced past the 100 mark.

Almost 90 firms have committed to fill 115 apprentice roles as a condition of securing their contracts.

Places have been created across an array of sectors, including hospitality, social care and vehicle maintenance.

The news comes less than six months after the procurement team set a target of filling 170 apprenticeships to support the council’s efforts to promote economic growth.

Before last month’s careers fair the council revealed that it also had helped 600 teenagers into apprenticeships since the previous year’s event through a cash incentive scheme.

Surrey County Council’s deputy leader Peter Martin said: “It’s great news that our purchasing power is helping young people get on in their chosen career.

“I have no doubt that many more businesses will work with us to provide apprenticeships that put young people on the path to a successful career and create the skilled workforce they need to thrive.”