South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has announced plans to create 300 apprenticeships in the region through a new Apprenticeship Hub.

The Hub will be based at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority offices in Sheffield and will be delivered through the South Yorkshire Colleges Partnership.

Mayor Coppard said: ‘South Yorkshire doesn’t just need a bigger economy, we need a better economy. But if we’re going to get there, and if everyone is going to be able to access the jobs and opportunities that new economy will bring, we need to make sure people have the right education and skills.

‘That’s what this new Apprenticeship Hub is all about; offering people, organisations and businesses a “one-stop shop” for all the information and support they need to get the right skills, in the right place, so we can all benefit from a better, bigger South Yorkshire economy.’

The Hub will launch later this year as a two-year pilot scheme and is expected to deliver 300 apprenticeships by 2026.

It will provide help for businesses, particularly SMEs, to access technical talent across the region.

Those doing or looking to begin an apprenticeship will be able to access information and advice services through the Hub.

Leader of Barnsley Council, Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, said: ‘Developing skills, talent and creativity in people of all ages will open up exciting prospects and help to drive forward our local economies. Apprenticeships go a long way in fulfilling this ambition.

‘The new Apprenticeship Hub will help to support local people, organisations and businesses across South Yorkshire, finding opportunities so that everyone can fulfil their learning potential, helping them build the skills they need to get into work and progress their careers.’

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