If you run a business in Grantham and would like to find out about the benefits of hiring an apprentice, then Amy Clark wants to hear from you.

Amy has just taken up her new role as Business and Skills Officer at InvestSK, South Kesteven District Council's economic development and regeneration company.

One of her responsibilities will be to engage with businesses and education providers to offer practical support to help companies recruit apprentices through what can often seem a confusing process.

By supporting SMEs in the recruitment and training of apprentices and helping them to access the right training solutions, Amy hopes to encourage businesses to stay and grow within South Kesteven.

"Whether you're looking to take on new staff or to upskill existing members of staff, apprenticeships are a great way to mould your employees' skillsets to meet the demands of your business at all levels," says Amy.

"Apprenticeships can also really improve staff morale, as they demonstrate to your existing employees that you care about training, development and career progression.

"Investing in staff trained through apprenticeships can have a huge positive effect on a company's finances, making your business more competitive, and can boost staff loyalty and retention.

"National Apprenticeship Service data shows that 81 percent of consumers favour using a company that takes on apprentices."

For more than 10 years in her previous role Amy placed students and job seekers into work placements or apprenticeships as part of a national construction training scheme known as Construction Futures.

"I will be working with South Kesteven businesses to better understand what's important to them and how apprenticeships can help them to achieve their business goals," Amy added.

"I appreciate that apprenticeships can be a bit of a minefield for people trying to run a business, so please do contact me with your questions or queries – I'm here to help!"

To get in touch with Amy call 01476 406080 or email [email protected]