Ladder for Staffordshire wins praise from top Tory

The former Conservative leader said he has asked Cannock Chase MP Amanda Milling to keep him informed of the progress of the initiative.

More than 50 new apprenticeships have been created across the county in just a few weeks.

It comes as the Express & Star-led Ladder for the Black Country nears its 500th apprenticeship created.

Mr Duncan Smith said: "I'm delighted to give my support to the Ladder for Staffordshire – a fantastic grassroots campaign. I will be keeping up to date on the progress of the campaign by talking to Amanda – who has been a constant advocate for jobs and opportunities in Staffordshire." Miss Milling said:"Iain's support is another feather in the cap for the Ladder for Staffordshire and I will continue to bang the drum for the campaign at the very heart of Government.

"Initiatives like this work best when a range of people and organisations join together across the board and the backing so far has been tremendous. Apprenticeships are a vital way for young people to gain the necessary skills and experience to succeed in the workplace and I am very excited about this campaign and the benefits it will bring."

The Ladder for Staffordshire is a partnership between the Express & Star, training provider PTP, Walsall-based charity The Vine Trust, and the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.

Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council are also on board. There are 2,000 young people across Staffordshire who are out of work and claiming jobseekers allowance. Eleven young people have already started their apprenticeships thanks to the scheme.

We are asking businesses of all sizes to take on at least one apprentice and get young people into work with training. And we are urging young people to grab these opportunities.

Visit www.ladderforstaffordshire.co.uk or call 03332 409 699.