Given the current economic climate it has become very important that your employees have the right skills in order to gain competitive advantage in the marketplace. Apprenticeship seems an ideal option: your staff get the necessary training, while still making your business profitable.
There is Government funding available for apprentice training - currently fully paid for 16-18 year olds and at 50% for the 19-24 age group. In addition, from 1st February 2012 small and medium sized companies can apply for an additional grant of £1500 if they take on an apprentice aged 16-24 who would not otherwise be employed. Please click here for full details, terms and conditions.
Here are just a few of business benefits of apprenticeships:
- 80% of those employers who employ apprentices agree they make their workplace more productive
- 81% of consumers favour using a company which takes on apprentices
- 88% of employers who employ apprentices believe that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce
- 83% of employers who employ apprentices rely on the apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future
- 77% of employers believe apprenticeships make them more competitive
- 80% of employers feel that apprenticeships reduce staff turnover
- 57% of employers reported a high proportion of their apprentices going on to management positions within the company.*
*statistics from http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/
Employers may choose to register to become a centre offering apprenticeships in their own right if they are able to meet the registration requirements and have the relevant qualified staff, or work with a training provider who is already registered to offer the Apprenticeship framework.
You may also be able to obtain funding towards the apprenticeship scheme and the Skills Funding Agency may be able to provide further information. Apprenticeship information is available at http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/providers/programmes/nas/
If you are looking for an apprentice to join your organisation, we can help!
Skills for Security is a registered training provider for apprenticeships with access to the National Apprenticeship Vacancy Matching Service (VMS). We can help you to advertise your vacancy and find a candidate that matches your requirements. For further details please contact a member of our team on 08450 750 111 or email info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk providing your company name, location, contact name and number.
For a list of all registered apprenticeship providers in England and Wales
