WILTSHIRE Council has launched a business engagement programme as part of its campaign to boost awareness of the importance of apprenticeships.

The council kicked off its campaign last month and now it is talking directly to businesses, urging them to hire apprentices.

Development officers from the council’s employment and skills team are visiting business leaders across the county for face-to-face meetings to offer advice on how to join the programme.

The team has already met with staff from a range of organisations, from large-scale industrial employers to small and medium-sized businesses and schools.

But they are keen for more employers to get in touch.

Anyone from the business community who would like to arrange a meeting with a development officer in order to gather more information about apprenticeships can call 01225 713217.

The campaign seeks to grow the numbers of apprenticeships available in the county, urging more businesses to sign up to a scheme.

There is a particular focus on encouraging learners to develop through the apprenticeships programme, up to higher and degree apprenticeships.

The campaign will culminate with a graduation ceremony for the county’s higher and advanced apprentices at Salisbury Cathedral in October 2016.

Fleur de Rhe-Philipe, Wiltshire Council cabinet member in charge of economic development and skills, said: “The campaign is still in its early days, but it’s got off to a great start.”

On average, around 5,000 apprenticeships start each year in Wiltshire.

The county will need to increase this number to 6,750 by 2019/20 to meet national targets.