On the 20th September 2013 Gordon Henderson, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, will be returning to Kent Science Park for a Question and Answer session with local business owners.
The focus of this event will be on the subject of apprenticeships, and how to go about employing an apprentice. This includes important information on the help that is available, as well as the financial benefits to be gained.
Mr. Henderson will be joined by an expert panel of local business people who will help in answering specific questions that are raised. This includes Stephen Innes of AmicusHorizon; Tom Oulton, Apprenticeship Development Officer for Kent County Council and Keith Harrell of Print on Labels Ltd – all of whom have extensive experience with apprenticeships.
Gordon Henderson discussed what he saw as the main benefits of the event: “These panels are a fantastic opportunity for me to learn more about the issues that are critical to businesses in the area and to advise them on a variety of different topics. In this instance, this means giving them the chance to learn the ins and outs of taking on an apprentice and why it is beneficial to their business”.
Speaking about the upcoming Q&A session, James Speck, Site Director at Kent Science Park, also commented: “These Q&A sessions are invaluable to the local business community, as they create an opportunity for business owners to speak directly with their MP and ask about anything affecting them. The subject of apprenticeships in particular is a very important one as the local economy can benefit significantly from the skills and knowledge to be gained. Here at Kent Science Park we encourage our tenants to employ apprentices where possible and they have benefitted from the new perspective that having an apprentice can bring. I hope that this event encourages other local businesses to take on apprentices too”.
The event will be held from 08:30 – 10:30, and includes breakfast and hot drinks. Whilst all local business owners are invited to attend the event free of charge, because of the high demand for places attendees will need to book in advance. Places can be booked by visiting kentsciencepark.co.uk/events.