A coatings firm in County Durham that took on two apprentices to ensure vital Olympic contract work was completed on time is urging other companies to do the same.
Ionbond UK provides protective and decorative coatings fro all links of industries - from medicine to aerospace - took on two apprentices to help design the coating for the more than eleven thousand Olympic torches seen up and down the UK this summer.
It's now running its apprenticeship programme for the second year, and is joining the local drive to persuade other small to medium sized businesses to take on apprentices.
Businesses in wealth creating sectors such as manufacturing and engineering, tourism, transport and energy have been identified as suitable to take on apprentices, and an incentive grant of £2,500 will be made available for them to create an apprenticeship opportunity that has to last for at least fifteen months.
Engineering Support Manger Shaun Warren says: “The apprenticeship programme has been absolutely great.
“It was really straight forward to apply and I would definitely recommend it to other small businesses.”
Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Councillor Neil Foster says: “This is another opportunity for businesses to give young people their much-needed first step to employment.
“We are delighted to help out by getting the scheme up and running again. I am sure it will be another big success.”
