Why would I want to take on an apprentice?
Skills shortages are still one of the biggest threats to UK business. Apprenticeships can help businesses across all industries by offering a route to harness fresh talent. If you have trained staff with the right skills for the job they can do a wider range of tasks and take on new responsibilities - this can help to reduce skill shortages, minimise staff turnover and workplace accidents, and increase productivity.
Are there financial benefits to me?
There are clear financial benefits to employers and their investment in Apprenticeships is repaid many times over. A recent study by the University of Warwick Institute of Employment Research found that the costs of Apprenticeship training are recouped relatively quickly, and that where the investment is nurtured, the returns are significant. Another study by Sheffield University measured the long term financial benefit to investing in Apprenticeships.
Can I upskill existing staff with an apprenticeship?
Yes
Do I receive any monetary incentives to take on an apprentice?
Subject to certain conditions you may be eligible for a grant to cover the cost of the training, accessed via: https://www.thurrockopportunities.co.uk/search-results/?s=levy
My business is struggling to make ends meet as it is with the recession. How is taking on an apprentice going to help my businesses manage through it?
Even in difficult times like these, Apprenticeships are a vital way of improving the skills of staff and generating a committed and valuable workforce. When times are tough, competition for contracts is even tougher. That’s when a well-trained, extra pair of hands could make a real difference to your chances of success.
What are my responsibilities as the employer?
You must give your apprentice an induction into their role and provide on-the-job training. As with all employees, you are also responsible for the wages of your apprentice.
Do apprentices take exams?
Most assessment is carried out in the workplace but there may be a requirement to take some tests.
How often do apprentices attend college or training sessions?
This varies from programme to programme. Some of the training can be in the workplace and other sessions could be in college or with a learning provider. Depending on the type of job being done, or the elements of training being undertaken, it could be one day a week or a block release.
What’s the role of learning providers?
A learning provider is usually a local college or specialist training organisation responsible for an apprentice's off-the-job training. When you take on an apprentice they will appoint a mentor who will work with you to make sure that the training is well planned. Once the apprentice begins the mentor will follow their progress and deal with any issues that may arise.
How do I take this forward?
Email your contact details to: [email protected] so we can support you to take next steps.
