NEWS

A leading trade organisation has published a guide to employing apprentices for businesses such as those working in the electrical industry.

The Trades Union Congress' (TUC's) Apprenticeships are Union Business publication highlights the group's members' successes in encouraging companies to hire people on these schemes.

It will also explore the methods which are being used to help other firms to take on more of these staff members.

Frances O'Grady, deputy general secretary to the TUC, claims London has typically had a poor track record when it comes to apprenticeships but asserts that this is improving.

She states: "In the last few years, thousands of new apprentices have started training, bringing huge benefits to businesses across the city."

Highlighting the important role that unions have to play in this process, Ms O'Grady calls for more employers to take people on placements.

Brendan Barber, the TUC's general secretary, praised the public sector for taking more apprentices onto its books.