Apprenticeships are now receiving increased attention as they offer a direct and affordable route into skilled jobs and careers.  

They are beneficial for employers who wish to:

•    Improve their bottom line and increase in productivity
•    Develop their talent and filling skill gaps - apprenticeships deliver skills designed around the business needs with the current and future skills needs of the organisation in mind.
•    Motivate their workforce as apprentices tend to be eager, motivated, flexible and loyal to the company that has invested in them.

Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of industry sectors ranging from accountancy and engineering to health care and floristry.

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes which then give the apprentice a recognised qualification.  Apprenticeships can be used to train new and existing employees with funding is available to train. These can take anything between one and four years to complete and is a package of on-the-job training and qualifications.

Training and Employment

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes, most of the training is ‘on the job’ at the company premises.  If there is any additional training required then this can be done at the local college, by a specialist learning provider or by you.

The Apprentice is employed by you and we can provide a specific Apprentice Contract of Employment for the duration of the apprenticeship.  You will be responsible for carrying out an induction into their role, providing on-the-job training and for paying the apprentices’ wages which will vary depending on their age.

A learning provider will provide an employer representative who will be able to support and guide you they will also assist you in finding the right apprentice for your company, explain what funding is available, agree a training plan with the apprentice and manage the training programme for you.

Funding

Funding is available for some apprenticeships and this is dependent on the sector and the age of the candidate. The funding is usually paid directly to the organisation that provides the training and supports the Apprentice. Small employers may also qualify for a incentive payment for taking on an apprentice aged between 18 and 24.

National Minimum Wage for apprentices was introduced in October 2010.  This applies to all apprentices aged under 19 and apprentices aged 19 or over in the first year of their apprenticeship.  The wage is currently £2.60 per hour and applies to time working, plus time spent training that is part of the Apprenticeship scheme.

For further information, advice or guidance on Apprenticeship please contact SOS-HR on 01473 276170.