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Jobs campaign smashes target ten times over

A campaign by two regional newspapers to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days have smashed their target more than ten times over.

In what has been hailed as the most successful drive of its kind in the country, Newcastle- based daily The Journal joined forced with the Evening Gazette on Teeside to help more than 1,000 out-of-work young people onto apprenticeships schemes.

The paper launched the ‘100 in 100’ campaign in January with the aim of creating 100  apprenticeships in as many days. After reaching that figure quickly, they raised the bar to 500.

By the end of the 100 days, they had created an astonishing 1,355 apprenticeship places.

Journal editor Brian Aitken said: “The response we have had to this campaign has been absolutely phenomenal, with the grand total far surpassing that of similar campaigns held across the country.

“Those employers and training providers that have helped us to get to 1,355 apprentices over the last three months should give themselves a well deserved pat on the back for doing their bit to support the region’s economy and create jobs during a time when they are needed most.”

John Wayman, regional director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “I am totally overwhelmed but extremely delighted. We never doubted the campaign would be successful, but it  has continually surpassed all our aspirations.

“Achieving 1,355 Apprenticeships in 100 days is an absolutely astounding achievement and I am totally overwhelmed but extremely delighted.”

Other papers to see success in similar apprenticeship campaigns include The Hull Daily Mail, which helped secure 157 places on its ‘100 in 100′ scheme.

The paper worked with Hull College, East Riding College and the Yorkshire and Humber Apprentice Training Agency, and ensured that all those counted towards the total were apprentices placed in training with employers.

Assistant Editor Jamie Macaskill said: “These are tough economic times for companies across Hull and East Yorkshire but we were delighted with the uptake. Most large companies here already have their own schemes so to find more than 150 new places was a terrific achievement.

“We also decided early on that we would only count those people who had an employer guaranteed rather than just places on courses.  Together with our partners we have made a real impact on the future of scores of young people.”

Skills Minister John Hayes said: “By backing apprenticeships, employers in Hull and East Yorkshire have made a sound investment in the prosperity of the city and the future of its young people.”

Apprenticeships ranged from administrative work to catering and from engineering to accountancy.