Workforce solutions

Are you looking to develop your workforce, recruit or take on an apprentice? Our Business Engagement team can offer free bespoke support and guidance on workforce solutions.

Apprenticeships

Apprentices are aged 16 or over and combine working with studying to gain skills and knowledge in a specific job. Apprentices can be new or current employees and must:

  • work with experienced staff
  • learn job-specific skills
  • study during their working week (for example, at a college or training organisation)

For further information on apprenticeships and employing an apprentice, visit the gov.uk website (external link). Alternatively, contact the Business Engagement team on 01695 712692 or email lets.talk@westlancs.gov.uk.

Work experience programmeLancsapr15 52 Of 72

In partnership with Jobcentre Plus we support businesses to offer unpaid 2-8 week work experience placements for 18-24 year olds. This is a great way for young people to gain employment experience and offers businesses the opportunity to recruit them into employment if suitable.

We will support your business by providing a talent pool of young people to meet your workforce planning needs. This allows you to grow your workforce without the time and resource it takes to advertise and recruit in the traditional way.

Recruitment

As well as enhancing the skills of current employees, guidance is also available for businesses looking to expand and grow their workforce. This can include providing information on the area’s labour market, links to local educational establishments, hosting and supporting recruitment events, as well as providing support to businesses that are looking to enhance their workforce by recruiting apprentices. 

Other useful links

Jobcentre Plus (external link) has one of Britain’s largest databases of job vacancies via Universal Jobmatch, and as an employer you can advertise your job vacancies with them. Jobcentre Plus works with employers within West Lancashire and can offer recruitment support to all business sectors.

The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) (external link) has responsibility for apprenticeships in England. Their main role is to work with employers, helping more of them take on apprentices. This website details all you need to know about taking on an apprentice within your business

The Gov.uk (external link) website provides useful information for businesses ranging from contracts of employment to recruiting and hiring your workforce to improve business performance.