Following a successful trial in 2013, Newport employment agency, Stafforce, is rolling out its Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA) across South Wales, aiming for 100 new placements with SMEs here this year.

It intends to raise awareness in all sectors that an active apprenticeship scheme is an effective way of developing talent pools and investing in people who will grow business - then work with employers to identify and recruit the right individuals and managing training, development, payroll and other HR functions for them throughout.

Stafforce, which works from Centre for Business, Devon Place, Newport, claims that this is a major benefit to firms as they will be able to appoint apprentices who have been pre-vetted for their suitability, while the process gives them far more flexibility and support than if they were to directly recruit.

Apprentice Academy head Jacqueline Lovewell said: “Employers can gain all the competitive advantage to be had when embracing apprenticeships, while minimising their risk. Apprentices are a very potent means to cultivate the talent of the future, lift a company’s skill base and create a committed, able, highly competitive workforce.”

“At the same time employment levels, local economies and personal outcomes are all boosted, as young people earn while they learn real life skills and gain relevant, industry-recognised qualifications.”

The ATA’s recruitment and management service is delivered both onsite and in classroom sessions with training providers, who are selected by the host companies from a choice of the best on the market.

Stafforce’s drive has begun in the run-up to National Apprenticeship Week in March.

It comes at a time when the failure of many of the region’s employers to capitalise on the benefits of apprentice recruitment has caused concern. A recent report by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) revealed that over two thirds of businesses don’t offer apprenticeships, despite it being a highly effective way of bolstering workforces and importing skills, according to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The BIS found that 80 per cent of those who employ apprentices reported that they make the workplace more productive; 88 per cent found that they are loyal, hardworking, grow their business and lead to a more motivated, satisfied workforce; 83 per cent use their apprenticeship programme to provide their future skilled workers; while 81 per cent of consumers prefer to use a company that employs apprentices.

Jacqueline Lovewell added: “South Wales SMEs are not taking advantage of the opportunities that apprenticeships offer, but we can be the helping hand for those who want to inject new talent into their business by sharing the responsibility.

“With a great pool of talented young people here who are eager to succeed, we are working in and with companies to find the right apprentice for each of them, so that the optimum investment in the future can be made.

“Apprenticeships are great for businesses across all industry sectors in the UK, and the Stafforce apprenticeship academy is making it easier for employers to benefit from having apprentices working as part of their team.”

Stafforce was awarded Apprenticeship Training Academy status by the National Apprenticeship Service in 2012.

The government funds 100 per cent of training fees for 16–18-year-old apprentices and up to 50 per cent for those aged 19–24.