THE MOD has joined an industry-led youth skills and employment campaign to help boost the number of apprentices employed within the department.

Already the largest employer of apprentices in the UK, the MOD’s position in The 5% Club will see it aim to ensure that five per cent of its UK workforce are apprentices, graduates or sponsored students on structured programmes within the next five years.

APPRENTICES2The MOD’s civilian branch and the Armed Forces are committed to addressing youth unemployment and skills shortage. As part of the charter, it will also encourage other businesses to get involved in the campaign.

The MOD has made concerted efforts to recruit young people through apprenticeship and graduate schemes and is currently responsible for 19,000 apprentices. By the end of the 2014/15 financial year, 12,000 recruits will start on basic apprenticeships. Some will go on to complete advanced apprenticeships at foundation degree level.

Philip Dunne MP, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, said: “Apprenticeships provide structured training and achievement that benefits both employers and employees, which is why we provide them for so many roles – from engineering to policing.

“Committing to The 5% Club makes perfect sense, and whilst we already well exceed the 5% target, we are proud to support a good idea that resonates with our values, practices and wider government policy.”

Dr Sam Healy, group director for corporate responsibility at QinetiQ and programme director of The 5% Club, added: “The MOD’s existing efforts and experience in recruiting young people is greatly welcomed and we are extremely pleased that they have joined the initiative as it marks the importance of the cause.”

To find out more, go to www.5percentclub.org.uk or search on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn for details about the campaign.

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