STOCKTON Riverside College is growing local business by increasing the number of apprenticeships on offer year on year.

Since 2012, the number of apprentices registered with SRC has increased by 25 per cent.

In 2012/13 149 learners were registered on apprenticeships. That figure rose to 186 in the current academic year - and more apprentices are being registered to study with the College all the time!

Stockton Riverside College currently works with more than 200 local employers. It offers apprenticeships and advanced apprenticeships in more than 25 vocational areas.

The College is taking part in the launch of a new initiative supported by a unique partnership between the National Apprenticeship Service, North East Chamber of Commerce and 24 north east training organisations.

The Greater Together campaign encourages as many employers as possible to commit to an apprenticeship between the 2 February and 27 March 2015.

Michelle Elliott, Stockton Riverside College’s Director of Business Development, said: “Stockton Riverside College is committed to working with the region’s top employers to provide apprenticeship opportunities.

“The College has seen the number of apprentices grow over the last three years and we aim to become the employers’ provider of choice.

“Apprenticeships provide learners with an excellent route into employment and a career, developing valuable skills and gaining hands-on experience while getting paid.

“Employers interested in working with Stockton Riverside College and recruiting an apprentice, should contact our business development team on 01642 865 577.”

Nick Wilson, Deputy Director - Employer and Delivery Services for the National Apprenticeship Service in the North East and Yorkshire, says: “We’re delighted with Stockton Riverside College’s continued commitment to apprenticeships. Hiring an apprentice is a great way of attracting new talent and developing a motivated, skilled and diverse workforce.

“The Greater Together campaign is based on the philosophy that by working collectively a much greater impact can be achieved. With this in mind we hope to secure hundreds of new apprenticeships over the eight week period.”

If you want to get involved in this year’s initiative, you can follow the campaign on Twitter @BeGreatTogether where you will find more information, or you can visit www.greatertogether.co.uk

The National Apprenticeship Service is also looking for existing apprenticeship employers to nominate a fellow company who they think would benefit from taking on an apprentice. You can do this by using the unique hashtag #EmployerNominate.

To find out more about apprenticeships, go to: http://www.stockton.ac.uk/src-businesses/employers-and-employment