SCREWFIX PARTNERS WITH THE WELSH GOVERNMENT TO HELP TRADESPEOPLE HIRE APPRENTICES

A new guide has been launched by Screwfix to help tradespeople in Wales learn more about how easy it is to hire an apprentice.

The Minister for Skills and Science, Julie James, visited the Screwfix store in Newport, Gwent on 12 October to launch the guide.

The free booklet is available in Screwfix stores across Wales and is entitled ‘Your Guide to Hiring an Apprentice’.

The booklet was developed with Welsh Government who are supporting Screwfix in the venture.

The guide was released by Screwfix in conjunction with the Minister for Skills and Science in response to research revealing that tradespeople want an increase in the availability of skilled workers through the encouragement of apprenticeships, plus more information about how to take on apprentices.

The easy-to-use, free information source is designed to expose many of the myths surrounding apprenticeships.

As a pocket-sized guide, it includes everything those in the trade need to know in bite-size chunks – from the benefits of taking on an apprentice, to where to go first and the help available.

Screwfix released the guide in response to feedback from its trade customers. Many of the plumbers, electricians, builders, carpenters and other tradespeople questioned by the Screwfix poll have little or no experience of taking on apprentices, with only 34% saying they have ever employed an apprentice.

Graham Smith, Marketing Director of Screwfix, comments: “As a key supplier to the trade, we’re always looking for ways to support tradespeople in growing their businesses. We know how busy our customers are and from their feedback, we also know that they struggle to recruit skilled tradesmen and women. It was very clear that something needed to be done to help, which is why we have developed this guide and we’re excited to launch it in Wales.

“The guide will help tradespeople who have little or no experience of apprentices, whether they’re looking to find out about the best available route, or the financial support available to them, it’s all covered in the booklet. We encourage interested tradespeople to pick up their free guide from one of our stores in Wales now.”

Minister for Skills and Science, Julie James, said: “Developing skilled tradespeople is vital for our economy. Apprenticeships offer our young people better career prospects, as well as having a positive impact on the industry. Apprentices bring value to both employers and the economy.

“With more and more employers across Wales recognising the value of successful apprenticeship programs, it’s a really great time to launch the guide to help tradespeople understand just how simple it can be to hire an apprentice.”