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Legend joins Gazette campaign
FOOTBALL'S transfer window may be closed – but there is still time for Fylde businesses to make a great signing or two.
Sir Geoff Hurst, the man whose hat-trick fired England to World Cup glory in 1966, was in Blackpool to officially support The Gazette and Beneast Traning's campaign to get 100 apprentices into 100 jobs in just 100 days.
He joined more than 100 business leaders who all turned out to support the Future Generations campaign.
Six firms have already signed up to the programme with a further 25 apprenticeships offered by various firms on the back of yesterday's launch event at the De Vere Hotel.
Sir Geoff urged business leaders to sign up to the campaign, which benefits both firms and the local economy.
He added: "Apprentices are the lifeblood of any business, they provide vital skills to a company and will be loyal to it.
"They have also moved on a lot and I am delighted to back the campaign as we celebrate National Apprentice Week this week.
"I was very lucky with my apprenticeship and it stood me in good stead for what turned out to be a very successful career in football and later on, in the business world.
"To get 100 apprentices in 100 days is a big challenge but I am confident you can achieve your aim."
Blackpool-based training provider Beneast currently have 1,200 learners across the Fylde on some kind of learning programme, including apprenticeships.
Over the past week The Gazette has featured case studies featuring success stories involving apprentices.
Alison Hall, executive director of Beneast, said: "Today, here in Blackpool, we want to make the lives of youngsters that bit easier by offering them a chance of a career they may not have even thought about.
"To add skills to a growing workforce and become the next big thing in the business world.
>> CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON THE CAMPAIGN
"But we can only do it with your help by signing up to our challenge.
"You are the movers and the shakers and with your help we can achieve our goal."
Adam Anderson, from Ai Claims Solutions, which has already benefited from having apprentices, said: "For the last five years I can see what benefits have apprentices on board can bring to a company.
"They really are the future and can add that extra push you need for a company to strive."
The Gazette's editor, David Helliwell, said: "It's so important young people get a chance to shine. It's important for them and their prospects and it's important for the development of the economy of the Fylde coast too.
"What a difference a company could make to even one young person's prospects. There are any number of bright, willing and inquisitive young workers out there – they only need one thing, a chance to prove themselves."
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Weather for Blackpool
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
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Wind direction: West
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Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
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