Insider Media Limited

A West Midlands business leader is to launch a project today (14 October 2011) aiming to get 100 apprentices into work inside 100 days, Insider's Midlands Skills Breakfast was told.

Daniel Gidney, chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership's tourism taskforce and skills and employability group, is set to use the LEP's regional conference to launch the '100 new Apprentices in 100 Days' initiative. He told Insider's Skills Breakfast at the National Motorycle Museu about his plans.

Gidney said: "Taking on apprentices is easy. I'm fed up with employers saying young people are lazy – all they need is encouragement."

Business minister Mark Prisk is the keynote speaker at the event which is taking place today at the Ricoh Arena, and will be joined by John Edwards, the global brand director of Land Rover.

Gidney told Insider: "Coventry and Warwickshire has a massive NEET problem – there are almost 7,000 young people who fall into this category in the area, and we've got to do something about it."

NEET is the acronym for 16-18-year-olds not in education, employment or training.

Gidney added: "What we're aiming to do is build confidence in young people.

"It's great that we've got a balanced economy in Coventry and Warwickshire and there are great opportunities for young people. I think the right attitude and commitment are vitally important – just as much qualifications. If we can get every single SME in the region taking on one apprentice then I think that'd be a great start in solving the problem of unemployment we have."

Youth unemployment in Coventry and Warwickshire is currently at an all-time high, with one in every five 16-18-year-olds not in work or training.

Today's conference will involve LEP chairman Denys Shortt, chief executive of Stratford-based DCS Europe, who say he wants businesses not currently involved in the organisation to have their say to ensure they can shape the economy of the area.

"Our LEP is business-led and its whole reason for existing is to break down the barriers to growth and to grow the economy for the benefit of the area. There is no way that will happen unless we are operating in a very relevant and practical way," he said.

"We have made a good and encouraging start and are making a difference in a number of areas over a wide range of subjects.

"We are delighted the minister is attending to talk directly to the business community and our ability to communicate with SMEs and other businesses is key to our future.

"We believe that we are making a positive contribution to enterprise in Coventry and Warwickshire and want businesses to continue to give us guidance and feedback."