Barclays backs social media apprenticeships

Apprentices could add £4.4billion to the UK economy every year if companies conformed to best practice, say business experts.

According to a recent study by Barclays, the UK would reap the benefits if industries were to raise the proportion of apprentices in their workforce to 2.2 per cent – the same proportion as currently within administration and support services.

In addition to its own commitment to take on 2,000 apprentices by the end of 2015, Barclays has also joined our very own advisory panel at The Juice Academy.

Our panel already includes a wide variety of industry experts, including Chris Sheffield, MD of Betfred.com, William Lees-Jones, MD of JW Lees, Amanda Coleman, head of corporate communications at Greater Manchester Police, and Scott Jefferson, marketing director at Pets at Home.

Joining the panel, David Parr from Barclays Corporate Banking in Manchester, said: “Apprenticeships are growing in profile, but we know there is potential for some industries to take on more and deliver dramatic benefit to both our economy and young people.

“Becoming a member of the advisory panel at The Juice Academy is an exciting opportunity for me and I look forward to working with the apprentices.”

Tangerine PR's head of integrated and digital strategy, Anna Wilson, who is leading the programme, said: “On behalf of everyone at The Juice Academy, I’d like to welcome the Barclays team onto our panel of experts. We know the insight they will provide for our apprentices will be second-to-none.

“The panel is an integral part of the Academy. It allows us to keep our course content relevant as it responds to demand from various different industries and what they want from their apprentices. Much like us, Barclays is incredibly enthusiastic about the future of apprenticeships and the team will add a new dimension to our offer.”

Since launching in July 2013, we have placed 27 apprentices within North West businesses – including at Pets at Home, digital marketing company, Modern English, and recruitment firm, Core Talent - to learn ‘on the job’.

We are now welcoming applications from businesses and apprentices for our January intake, as we look to grow further and welcome our third cohort.

John Myers, of the National Apprenticeship Service, added: “The Juice Academy provides an opportunity for young people to start a superb career path, building a valuable set of skills which are of genuine value to employers.”