An event to support businesses considering employing an apprentice will take place in March. 

The 'Preparing to employ an apprentice' event will take place from 3.30pm on March 18 at the De Rougemont Hotel in Brentwood ahead of Brentwood Council's first ever speed networking event.

If your business is interested in taking on an apprentice but are unsure where to start or what support and funding is available, there are still places available for the Council’s speed networking event.

Before the networking starts there is a dedicated presentation on apprenticeships where you can find out what the benefits could be not only to your business but the apprentice as well.

Following the apprenticeship presentation, the speed networking event at 4.30pm will provide you with a chance to take part in a unique, fun and efficient way of networking with a large number of local businesses and the opportunity to find out more about how the Council is supporting economic development in the Borough.

This is a smarter way of business networking where you will meet, exchange business cards and promotional materials.

In a twist to the business networking format there will be a style of networking rotations to enable you to meet more people, more effectively, than you would at a traditional event.

Brentwood Borough Council's Chair of the Business and Town Centres Committee, Councillor David Kendall, said: “Apprenticeships give young people their first opportunity of a job and also a qualification to help them develop a career.

"It is important for them and the business they are working for that the apprenticeship benefits all of them and is a positive experience.

"That is why I was keen that we offered our local businesses real and practical advice on everything they need to know and consider before employing an apprentice.

"It is great that we are able to offer this ahead of our speed networking event which is something fresh and a bit different to the business community.

"We have secured the support of the Brentwood Renaissance Group and we have subsidised the event so that it offers the very best value for money.”

Places on this event are limited so please book early.

Tickets cost £10.

To find out more and book a place on the event please visit www.brentbiz.eventbrite.co.uk

For more information on the apprenticeship presentation or speed networking event please visit www.brentbiz.eventbrite.co.uk or call 01277 361443.