MEANWHILE Chancellor George Osbourne was in Solihull to help Halfords launch a new apprenticeship scheme to create 500 apprentices – one in every one of its stores – over the next year.
He was flanked by Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Solihull Julian Knight, who is also campaigning for more apprenticeships for the region.
The nationwide rollout follows the success of a pilot scheme which boasted a 62 per cent success rate of candidates securing jobs at Halfords, with six candidates from the trial awarded certificates by George Osborne in recognition of their achievements.
The scheme is open to people who are currently unemployed, long-term unemployed and NEETS (not in education, employment or training).
Chancellor Osborne said: “The Conservatives are committed to creating three million new apprenticeships as part of our long term economic plan and I commend Julian Knight’s campaign which is doing great things in Solihull.
“Julian wants see 1,000 young people take up apprenticeships over the next year in Solihull and this will give many a fantastic kickstart in life.”
George Osborne and Julian Knight with the Halfords apprentices.
