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Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber is appealing to more employers to take on apprentices and offer more work and training opportunities to young people, following recent comments about lifelong learning by government minister John Hayes.

Mr Hayes, who is Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, launched the recent Association of Learning Providers'  Summer Conference, by saying that "a commitment to lifelong learning is the natural consequence if you believe that everyone deserves a fair chance to get on in life and that learning can help give it to them."

He went on to say that the foundation-stone of economic contribution is the teaching of practical skills which will enable young people to "get local jobs with good prospects."

The coalition government has already demonstrated a firm commitment to lifelong learning by diverting £150m of funding to create 50,000 new apprenticeship places.

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire's Chamber Training arm delivers a range of training opportunities for young people, including apprenticeships covering business administration, customer service, IT, accountancy, construction and engineering through its Chamber Training division and says this is its busiest time of year for learners applying to join the programme.

Recent Chamber research revealed that 62% of local firms were aware of the benefits that apprenticeships can bring to their business, yet demand from applicants is still outstripping the supply of employers and vacancies.

And national research from the British Chambers of Commerce found that more than three in five UK companies plan to recruit this year, while 72% of businesses who currently employ apprentices said they made a positive contribution during the recession.

Sarah Temperton, Head of Chamber Training, said: "Employers in {DERBYSHIRE/NOTTS} are crying out for skilled people and taking on an apprentice is just one way that can help solve their recruitment needs.

"We very much agree with what Mr Hayes said about apprenticeships being the best way for employers to teach young people the practical skills that their businesses need. Apprenticeships are often thought of as old, but they are also about new and future ideas.

"Today's apprentices are the innovators of tomorrow, which is why workplace learning must be nurtured to ensure that businesses have the skilled workforces they need to grow and prosper. But the key challenge continues to be getting employers on board to offer apprenticeships.

"This is where Chamber training can help your business."

Apprenticeships are available to anyone aged 16 years or over and can lead to qualifications equivalent to five GCSE passes at entry level, two "A" level passes at advanced programme and an NVQ level 4 for the higher programme. Those doing an apprenticeship with an employer will receive a weekly wage of at least £95.

Apprenticeships are available for current staff and potential recruits. Employers should contact the Chamber Training administration team on 01246 212519.