Wednesday 8th September 2010 12.21am
Post your Events Champion takes on apprenticeship challenge
A former apprentice is heading up a new initiative that is tasked with increasing the number of young people taking up apprenticeships across the region.
Paul Champion, 46, has been appointed as managing director of The North East Apprenticeship Company.
An experienced manager in the training sector, Paul will lead the team at the NEAC based in Gateshead.
He is a former director of B-Skill Ltd, a training and consultancy provider to young people and the support service sector.
He has a wealth of experience in the training industry and is fully equipped to help achieve the company’s key objective of increasing the number of apprentices the regions companies employ.
Paul, who is from Gateshead, brings over 15 years experience to his new role, he said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed managing director of the NEAC.
Over the last three years, apprenticeship numbers have fallen at an increasing rate with this year’s figures predicted to mark a low point.
“We work with local companies and local training and education providers to offer opportunities for businesses and young people.”
The Government backed organisation, created by Gateshead Council and Gateshead College to reduce youth unemployment, will tackle the region’s skills gap and create more than 1,000 new apprentice jobs in the next two years, particularly among small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Paul knows the benefits of being apprentice first hand after starting his working career as an engineering apprentice at Charles Taylors & Sons Ltd in South Shields.
He said: “The North East used to have a strong industrial heritage and be a hub for skills. Over the years this has diminished as traditional industries have been in decline and the number of apprenticeships has grown smaller.
“I want the region to be proud of its skills again, and if I can help bring back that aspiration then my job has been worthwhile.”
Kim Davies, NEAC project director, said: “Paul is exactly the right man to be the driving force behind the NEAC, he is passionate about young people and the North East, and he has firsthand experience of being an apprentice.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Paul to continue the development of the NEAC. He has proven to be a highly enthusiastic and committed leader.”
Paul’s role will also require him to engage and support employers and to work closely with employers to meet the needs of their business.
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