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Across the region, the number one issue facing employers is finding people with the skills they need to grow their business.

This is especially true when it comes to digital skills, such as data analysis, cyber security and digital marketing. Last year, for example, there were 7,200 job postings in Leicestershire alone from employers needing advanced digital skills.




During National Apprenticeship Week, which starts today, ¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· Leicester (¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ·) will be putting the skills gap in the spotlight with an event involving partners including major employers, FE colleges and the university’s apprenticeships team.

Events include:


Employers and aspiring apprentices can book a one to one 15-minute session with a ¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· apprenticeship expert to discuss a particular apprenticeship programme or gain a quick overview of apprenticeships at ¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ·.


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Tasmin Raynor, head of Apprenticeships, and Allan Taylor, Associate Professor in Media Production, will be hosting Iain McKenzie, chief operating officer from Mattioli Woods, Stewart Smith of the LLEP, Andrew Gedge of the SMB Group, Rachel Hall of Leicester College and Tim Tom Ashton of Leicestershire Education Business Company.  It takes place on Wednesday from 10am to 11.30am.

There are currently more than 640 learners on ¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ·’s apprenticeship programmes, blending on-the-job work with studying either online or on campus, supported by a workplace mentor.

“There are so many ways in which businesses win with apprenticeships,” said Tasmin. “Addressing the skills gap is a big part of the positives, as it provides the opportunity to build your own team of specialists who can bring in added value almost from the start by applying their new knowledge as they go.   

“By making apprenticeships part of your company’s approach to training, it sends a signal to your existing staff that you are serious about their career development and shows potential workers that you invest in your teams.

“We know that apprentices tend to increase productivity and can also help businesses to innovate, increasing your competitive advantage. Because apprentices tend to come from broader, more diverse backgrounds than traditional university graduates, they bring different views and experiences to bear in the workplace and that leads to new ideas.”

•    Can’t make the events but interested in finding out more? Contact apprenticeships@dmu.ac.uk or visit the