TO mark National Apprenticeship Week 2014, the County Gazette is running its second apprenticeship week event on Tuesday at Taunton Rugby Club where the National Apprenticeship Team will be on hand to guide any interested employers.

The event is TODAY (MARCH 4) from 4-7pm.

For more information on apprenticeships visit apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000-150600.

Apprenticeships are thriving as businesses continue to recruit young talent into their organisations or develop staff into higher technical, professional or managerial roles.

Mark Howard of the National Apprenticeship Service said: “The Government believes that apprenticeships are 'good for business' and personal careers, and this is absolutely the case in Somerset.

“An apprenticeship is a way for young people and adult learners to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future.”

Employers across all sectors and sizes are currently involved in apprenticeships and this ranges from Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust, Mulberry or smaller employers such as Sassi Holford.

Apprenticeships are increasing at a record rate and over 500,000 people started an apprenticeship in 2012/13.

Over 100,000 employers are offering quality apprenticeships in more than 200,000 locations.

Apprenticeships are available at intermediate, advanced and higher (degree) level, covering more than 170 industries and 1500 job roles from advertising to nuclear decommissioning.

Mr Howard added: “There is an apprenticeship available to benefit every employer regardless of their sector and we are aiming, with support from the excellent local training providers/colleges, to increase the figure of 15% of Somerset employers already engaged”.

If you're a business that employs up to 1000 employees, you may even get a £1,500 grant to help cover the cost of starting a new apprentice aged 16 to 24 years old.

The seventh National Apprenticeship Week will be taking place from March 3-7, and will be celebrating the increasingly important role apprenticeships are playing for individuals, employers and the economy.