Alex Colman

Lincoln’s number of apprentices has increased by almost 40% in the last year, according to Government figures.

The figures show that 280 more people started apprenticeships in 2011, compared to 2010.

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney urges people of all ages to consider becoming an apprentice.

“Apprenticeships allow people to earn and learn at the same time, while significantly increasing their potential future earnings.”

The figures come during National Apprenticeship Week and as new government funding is introduced to target younger adults and new employees.

Training providers and businesses can bid for a share of £6m from the Higher Apprenticeship Fund.

Businesses can also apply for some of the £250 million, which gives employers access to funding for training.

The biggest benefit for Lincoln may lie with small and medium-sized businesses, who can become eligible for a £1,500 bonus for hiring an apprentice aged between 16-24.

Jane Newman, Work-Based Learning Officer at the City of Lincoln Council, hopes to encourage more Lincoln businesses to take on apprentices.

She said: “Businesses get the chance to attract home-grown talent and dedicated employees; the City Council has a very successful apprenticeship scheme, employing a large amount of apprentices permanently following their placements.”

Apprentices will be given basic skills, with providers required to offer all apprentices teaching in English and Maths up to GCSE standard.

Training providers will be on hand to ensure employers can advertise a vacancy within a month of deciding to take on an apprentice.

L-R: Cliff McCardle, Pete Allen, Andy Bland and Simon Hollingworth pictured after completing the Lincoln 10K last year.

A quartet of Lincoln 10K Road Race runners will be limbering up their vocal chords as well as their hamstrings as they plan to serenade competitors and spectators with songs along the route.

The group of four men will perform a song every two kilometres of the race, singing four part harmonies whilst encouraging people to donate into their collection buckets.

Cliff McCardle, Pete Allen, Andy Bland and Simon Hollingworth will be running for four different charities on the day.

One runner, Simon Hollingworth, the manager of Lincoln Drill Hall, will be raising money for the Lincoln Arts Trust, which takes art into the community in Lincoln.

“We’ve been singing together for the past 20 years, since we were students at Bishop Grossteste College, so we decided to combine this with the Lincoln 10K to bring a bit more silliness to the event.

“We’ll be singing four part harmonies – the Beatles, Elvis, that kind of thing – and we may even serenade some lucky people along the way,” said Hollingworth.

Less than 3,000 places are still available for the Active Nation Lincoln 10K Road Race on Sunday 25th March.

There are also places for the primary and secondary school races and the Buggy Push on Saturday 24th March.

For more information and to apply for the races, visit www.lincoln10k.co.uk or follow the event on Twitter.

Source: City of Lincoln Council