HIAC (the Huntingdon Industrial Advisory Committee) is a local association of business people, which is chaired by the MP for Huntingdon, Jonathan Djanogly. HIAC was originally started by former Prime Minister and MP for Huntingdon, Sir John Major, and has been continued by Mr Djanogly as a useful way by which business people can stay in touch with their local MP, and for the MP to understand better the concerns and the issues facing business.
The way HIAC works is via a number business dinners each year, and at a recent dinner in June 2008, discussions revolved around the usefulness of apprenticeship schemes and how beneficial these were to employees and employers alike.
Whilst the employers round the HIAC dinner table much supported the notion of apprenticeships, they agreed there was a need for a simple-to-use way to advertise jobs available and for young people to see what was on offer.
The Recruit 4 Apprenticeships website has now been created to fill this gap to provide a free service for employers to register and advertise their apprenticeship schemes and for school leavers to use this as a reference site of the jobs available in the local community.
"I would also like to thank Tensor plc for providing, free of charge, their services to create and maintain the website as part of their Tensor in the Community program" said Mr Djanogly.
He went on to explain how he considered that apprenticeships were a great way for young people to gain a further education whilst at the same time holding down and doing a worthwhile and rewarding job - education and real practical skills learning going hand in hand.
To illustrate the benefits of a modern apprenticeship scheme Mr Djanogly gave as an example Tensor plc. A locally based company, where two of their directors started out as "Tensor apprentices" - a number of years ago. A good example of how one can reach the top via a modern apprenticeship.
To advertise your apprenticeship scheme or see what apprenticeships are on offer, log on to www.recruit4apprentices.co.uk
For more information about HIAC, please contact Sir Peter Brown on 01480 453062."