CHESHIRE-BASED National Sales Academy is the latest company to sign up to Cheshire & Warrington Enterprise Partnership’s ‘Apprenticeship Promise’, a project designed to recognise and reward businesses who pledge to support apprentices.

Set up by Inspiring Apprenticeships, which was formed to address declining apprenticeship numbers across Cheshire and Warrington, the ‘Apprenticeship Promise’ is a key initiative which has been developed to encourage businesses to support the region’s young people on the pathway to employment.

The total number of companies that have signed up across Cheshire and Warrington has now reached more than 100.

These businesses are now making the most of their pledge to apprenticeships with benefits including access to free and impartial one to one apprenticeship support and promotion of their business via the Inspiring Apprenticeships Network.

They can also attend Inspiring Apprenticeships networking events and enter the ‘Inspiring Apprenticeships Employer of the Year’ a category in a prestigious business awards competition.

Inspiring Apprenticeships is led by The Cheshire & Warrington Enterprise Partnership. Roz Atherton, skills & employment manager said: “We have had a high level of interest in the Apprenticeship Promise to date and we are delighted that The National Sales Academy has recently pledged its support “By signing up, companies will be providing invaluable opportunities for young people across the region, providing them with the chance to earn while they learn and develop valuable workplace skills for a prosperous career.”

Heather Carter, Co-Founder of The National Sales Academy adds: “The Promise is a really important initiative and one that is all about helping the next generation of young people in our local community.

“Finding employment is critical and by setting up The Promise, Cheshire & Warrington Enterprise Partnership is really encouraging businesses to get on board and commit to aspiring apprentices.

“We are thrilled to be part of such a fantastic project.”

Inspiring Apprenticeships is an innovative partnership between three councils: Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East and Warrington Borough Council, the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), local training and housing providers.

The partnership is led by the Cheshire & Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, and chaired by Clr Mike Jones leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and LEP Board Member.