A NEW Solent-Wide apprenticeship hub is to be created in the region after civic chiefs signed-off on the plans.

At Southampton City Council’s cabinet meeting last night, October 16, the authority officially accepted a £960,000 grant from the Department for Work and Pensions’ European Social Fund (ESF), which would allow it to push on with the proposed hub.

The council also confirmed that it would invest £290,000 of its own cash towards the scheme.

Other organisations, such as Portsmouth City Council (£140,000), Hampshire County Council (£170,000), Hampshire Chamber of Commerce (£160,000), Southampton Solent University (£120,000), and University of Portsmouth (£60,000), will make up the rest of the money, to total a combined £1.91 million in the pot.

The Southampton authority, which is the lead body for the project, says that the new virtual hub will act as a single point of contact for apprenticeship enquires from across the Solent region, aiming to support 1,620 residents in accessing qualifications.

It will also work with schools, colleges, young people, and employees who want to learn more skills.

Cabinet Member for aspiration, schools and lifelong learning at Southampton City Council, Dr Darren Paffey, said: “The Apprenticeship Hub will be a great opportunity to provide vital support for those considering an apprenticeship across the Hampshire and Solent region. This fantastic new resource will give residents, especially young people, the support they need to explore new careers and gain essential hands-on skills to achieve their aspirations.

“The skills team in Southampton City Council has worked really hard to secure this vital funding, and I’m confident that we’ll see real results as they lead this partnership.

“Apprenticeships are an ideal way of developing your career, combining work-based experience with training. Apprentices gain a nationally recognised qualification, whilst earning a salary. Employers get access to local talent by taking on an apprentice, or can improve the skills of an existing employee by offering them an apprenticeship. This hub should go some way to reversing the declining take-up of apprenticeship opportunities.”

The hub will provide information, advice, guidance, and support through the various application routes.

The decision paper noted that the grant will “add value to local provision” and “develop new opportunities to meet employers’ needs”.

Helen Fuge, head of learning and early careers from National Air Traffic Services said: “Apprenticeships have provided employers such as ourselves with a more innovative and flexible way to bring talent into the organisation. The combination of practical and work related experience supports businesses to build the skills and capabilities of their staff quickly and ensures high levels of productivity.

“It is also an incredibly cost effective way for employers to deliver training which is a huge advantage! For NATS, the use of apprenticeships supports our focus on skills for the future, our corporate social responsibility and the ability to continuously revitalise our workforce.”

Anna Jennings, Early Career Manager at BAM Construct UK Ltd added: “Apprentices bring huge benefits to BAM Construct UK. Apprentices improve the quality of our services and improve employee retention. In addition, Apprentices create a pipeline of future star talent, many of our leaders today started as Apprentices!”