Travis Perkins to hire 10k apprentices

Building materials firm, Travis Perkins, today revealed plans to train 10,000 apprentices by 2030. It said it hopes the target will help address a “critical industry skills gap” and develop skills needed to help deliver new homes and infrastructure. Nick Roberts, chief executive of the company, said the ambition will bring “fresh talent” and improve diversity in the industry. Should more major employers be investing in apprenticeships like this? What support does the Government provide for businesses hiring apprentices that SMEs may not know about? Is training apprentices a good way to close the digital skills gap?