Apprenticeships

With 81 per cent of businesses agreeing that apprentices help boost productivity and a further 82 per cent believing apprentices will provide the skilled workers they need for the future, it is no wonder that Apprenticeship programmes are rapidly becoming a primary focus for employers and businesses looking to maintain their competitive edge and drive future growth (source: Populus research on behalf of the Learning & Skills Council - LSC).

What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is essentially a set of qualifications called a ‘framework’ developed by Sector Skills Councils. Most Apprenticeship frameworks follow a standard format that comprises:

1. Competence

2. Knowledge

3. Transferable Skills (Maths, English, Information & Communications Technology)

4. Employment rights and responsibilities

5. Personal learning and thinking skills (PLTS)

We provide the knowledge and develop skills while the employer provides the practical environment and opportunities to put those skills to the test. Training can be classroom based, in a workshop or in a workplace depending upon the subject.

Who can do an apprenticeship?

Anyone!

Applicants from a wide range of diverse backgrounds are welcome and we anticipate that you will have a wide range of experience, achievements and qualifications. However, where funding is applied for, Eligibility for that funding must be established.

The selection process on behalf of employers may include initial assessment where applicants will be asked if you have any qualifications or experience that can be accredited against the requirements of the apprenticeship. They may also be required to take tests in basic numeracy and literacy, communications skills and spatial awareness. There may also be an interview to ensure applicants have selected the right occupational sector and are motivated to become an apprentice, as undertaking an apprenticeship is a major commitment for both the individual and the employer.

To avoid the need to repeat qualifications, processes exist to ensure applicants with prior knowledge; qualifications and/or experience are not disadvantaged.

Eligibility Criteria (for funding for apprenticeships)

Under current conditions, provided you are employed:

· 16 to 18 year olds are fully funded

· 19 to 24 year olds are co-funded

· 25+ year olds are co-funded

Co-funded means that the employer is expected to contribute 50% of the costs, currently that can be in kind as well as in cash. So, for example an employer who contributes laboratory space and equipment to support a Laboratory Technicians Apprenticeship would count as a contribution. Please see our Price List and Offers for full details on pricing/funding options.

A reduction in funding will be applied to large employers (1,000 employees or more). In this case, we will work with you to find the most cost effective programme of delivery.

Employers! Have you considered employing a young person as an apprentice?

In today’s environment, skills shortages and recruitment difficulties can be a real threat to the competitiveness of organisations. Apprenticeships ensure that employees have practical and up to date skills in order to improve efficiency, productivity, competitiveness and staff retention. Apprentices can also bring a new perspective and fresh talent into your business.

Research by Popolus conducted in 2008 on behalf of the LSC revealed:

· 77% of employers believe Apprenticeships make them more competitive

· 76% say that Apprenticeships provide higher overall productivity

· 80% feel that Apprenticeships reduce staff turnover

· 83% of employers rely on their Apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future

· Two-thirds of respondents believe that their Apprenticeship programme helps them fill vacancies more quickly, whilst

· 88% believe that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce

· 59% report that training apprentices is more cost-effective than hiring skilled staff, with 59% believing that Apprenticeships lead to lower overall training costs and 53% feeling that they reduce recruitment costs

· In terms of the return on investment linked to Apprenticeships, 41% say that their apprentices make a valuable contribution to the business during their training period, while a further third (33%) report that apprentices add value within their first few weeks (or even from Day One)

· 57% report a high proportion of their apprentices going on to management positions within the company

· Over three-quarters of respondents expect apprenticeships to play a bigger part in their recruitment policy in the future.

(Source: National Apprenticeship Service)