The boss of a Teesside web company has urged more firms to recruit young talent following a fall in the take-up of apprenticeships.
New Government figures showed the number of people starting apprenticeships in the region dropped by almost 1,300 in 2013-14 - despite a string of high profile business leaders backing this type of training.
Ian Elcoate, managing director of Redcar-based Tad Web Solutions, said some companies preferred to go with the “safe option” by hiring experienced staff who could hit the ground running.
But he said young people offered a fresh perspective that gave businesses a chance to grow.
Mr Elcoate, who started the business in 2011, has taken on apprentice Benjamin Watson and the 17 year-old has already made an impact by bringing his own style to graphics, animation and imagery on client projects.
He is the second apprentice to join the company after small business manager Peter Calvert started his Tad career as an apprentice in 2013.
Mr Elcoate, who wants to increase turnover from £40,000 to £100,000 next year, said: “Perhaps some businesses are looking for people with more experience but I look at it the other way. Taking on an apprentice gives me an opportunity to mould someone and give them the specific skills that are going to benefit my business.
“In the digital sector, technology is changing all the time so it’s best to be learning within a business that’s at the forefront of these changes.
“Sometimes digital graduates come to a company with skills that are three or four years out of date because the course is based on technology that might not be around anymore.
“Apprenticeships are great for business. We have a duty to develop young talent at a time when youth unemployment is way too high.”
Mr Elcoate hired Benjamin after receiving free help and support from Redcar and Cleveland Council’s Enterprise Team, which offers fledgling start-ups and entrepreneurs in the area a minimum 12 hours of free business support.
Councillor Mark Hannon, the council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “It’s great to see businesses take on apprentices and help train and nurture people in their chosen career.
“I’m delighted to see Tad Web Solutions creating opportunities and going from strength to strength thanks to the support of the Enterprise Team.”
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