Hundreds of apprenticeships created through NEPO solutions

9 Feb 2021 11:30 AM

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (8-14 February), hundreds of apprenticeships will be created through the solutions that NEPO has developed on behalf of the North East’s local authorities. The solutions developed range from rock salt through to specialist professional services and business travel.

Apprenticeships are vital in developing the local workforce and creating opportunities for individuals across the region. The social value commitments that a wide range of businesses have made will help to drive the recovery of the North East economy. Despite the challenges that COVID-19 is having on the business community, NEPO suppliers remain committed to achieving their apprenticeship targets.

Bloom Procurement Services, as part of the delivery of the NEPRO³ contract, has demonstrated real leadership in providing apprenticeship opportunities. The last year alone has seen the creation of apprenticeships and 600 hours of mentoring given to apprentices to help them develop their procurement careers.

Sinéad Moloney, Supplier Relationship & Social Value Specialist at NEPO yesterday said:

“NEPO is incredibly proud of the work that suppliers are doing to deliver apprenticeship opportunities across the North East. We recognise the strong role that public sector procurement can play to deliver value beyond the goods and services we buy. Our work has led to tangible results that will have a positive impact for the apprentices, their employers and wider communities.

“NEPO’s Business Club provides free training to help businesses understand how they can build social value into their public sector bids and tenders. We’d encourage all suppliers to take part in this to help them become more competitive in future procurement opportunities.”

Sarah MacNab, Head of Social Value at Bloom Procurement Service added:

“It is important that we, as a company, ensure that social value is a thread that runs throughout all our activities. We are committed to the North East, the development of our people and creating high quality employment.

“We are passionate about launching new careers and have created an apprenticeship programme that provides individuals with the opportunity to gain a professional qualification as well as learning a range of skills whilst working alongside our experienced team.

“By developing our people and upskilling our team, we are providing the best possible service to our customers as well as providing an excellent career path into the world of procurement for our Apprentices by offering them the chance to work through CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply.”

Businesses interested in developing their social value offers for public sector bids and tenders are encouraged to take a look at the NEPO Business Club’s Social Value webinars, designed to support SMEs in the North East.