The importance of having a skilled workforce was drummed home to employers at a seminar held to raise awareness of apprenticeship schemes.

The event was organised by business leaders in Eastbourne who are worried about skills disappearing from the town and surrounding area.

Employers, education experts and representatives from Government skills agencies attended the meeting at Sussex Downs College.

Steven Goss-Turner, vice-president of the Eastbourne and District Chamber of Commerce and a manager at the University of Brighton, chaired the event.

He said: "There was a lot of enthusiasm from employers at this workshop, encouraged by the emphasis on making apprenticeships work for everyone's benefit."

Apprenticeship programmes run throughout the year.

Anyone interested either in becoming an apprentice or taking on an apprentice can contact the college on 01323 637286 for further information.

Friday February 11, 2005