SMALL businesses in Oxfordshire are being urged to consider taking on an apprentice.

While apprenticeships have traditionally been the preserve of larger firms, major strides have been made to attract employers of all sizes and backgrounds.

Now an event giving advice to bosses of smaller companies has been organised at the Town Hall in Oxford.

Making Sense of Apprenticeships will give employers the chance to have their questions answered by a panel of experts and learn more about funding opportunities, including the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers.

They will also be able to hear from other employers who have taken on apprentices and from the apprentices themselves.

Project manager Paddy Patterson said: “We are at the time of year where lots of young people will be looking to leave school and go into work.

“With school leavers now being required to stay in some form of education, apprenticeships are the perfect way to learn and earn at the same time, “For local employers, taking on an apprentice is easier than they think and can considerably benefit their business.”

The free event, which takes place on June 12 from 9.30am to 11.30am, is being run by Oxfordshire Apprenticeships, funded by Oxfordshire County Council and organised in partnership with Oxford City Council.

Robert Hetherington, economic development manager at the city council, said: “Apprenticeships are really important in providing young people with employment opportunities in Oxford.

“Local businesses are the key to providing these opportunities and we want to make the process as simple and attractive as possible.”

For more information about the event and to register for free, visit makingsenseoxford.eventbrite.co.uk or oxfordshire apprenticeships.co.uk

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