The series of four seminars welcomed businesses from across Christchurch and East Dorset and provided valuable information on the government’s upcoming Apprenticeships Levy, which comes into effect on the 6th April 2017. In particular, the seminars highlighted how local businesses can reap the rewards of a well run apprenticeship programme, in order to help their business grow.

The events took place at Verwood HUB, Bournemouth Airport, The Captains Club in Christchurch, and QE School in Wimborne. Business representatives who attended enjoyed presentations by expert speakers from some local training providers including Bournemouth and Poole College, Brockenhurst College, Paragon Training, and Skills & Learning.

Each event included a dedicated question and answer session. This helped to answer how the levy will affect the quality and quantity of apprenticeships, who will be required to contribute, what businesses will get back, and how the levy will affect growth in the local economy.

Dom Grant, Production Director of Aeroflex Hose and Engineering said

“Thank you to Christchurch and East Dorset councils for organising this event which was packed full of useful and relevant information.  It was especially valuable to network and share best practice ideas with the training providers and other local business people’’.

Cllr Vicki Hallam, Portfolio Holder for Growth & Economy, Christchurch Borough Council said:

“We know that apprentices make a huge contribution to the local economy and todays apprentices will be Economically active for decades to come.”

Due to the overriding success of these Apprenticeship Levy events, Christchurch and East Dorset Councils in partnership with Bournemouth and Poole College, JP Morgan and Superior Seal have organised an additional event on the morning of 8th March. Download your invite here.

Christchurch and East Dorset Council’s next events will be the latest in their series of ‘Going For Growth’ business breakfast events. These will be held at Highcliffe Castle and QE School on the 21st and 23rd of March, respectively.

For more information on Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership’s ‘Going For Growth’ economic development programme visit www.dorsetforyou.com/economic-development/christchurch-and-east-dorset.