Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers leading to nationally recognised qualifications and seen as the gold standard for work-based training. It is a package of on-the-job work, training and qualifications. You can use Apprenticeship Schemes to train both new and existing employees.
As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. The minimum salary is £2.60 per hour. Off the job, usually on a day-release basis, apprentices receive training to work towards qualifications. Anyone living in England, over 16 years-old and not in full-time education can apply.
There are over 200 different types of Apprenticeships available (sometimes referred to as ‘frameworks’) and three levels of Apprenticeship:
- Intermediate Level Apprenticeships
- Advanced Level Apprenticeships
- Higher Apprenticeships
Each contain a competence qualification, Functional Skills and, in most cases, a knowledge-based qualification. Depending on the sector and job role an Apprenticeship can take anything from one to four years to complete.
National Apprenticeship Service
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has end to end responsibility for Apprenticeships in England. Its main role is to work with employers to help them take on apprentices, providing support from initial interest through to the selection of a training provider and the recruitment and progression of an apprentice. NAS operate an online Apprenticeship Vacancy service where employers can advertise their apprenticeship vacancy.
The Business Benefits
Improve your bottom line
Apprenticeships deliver real returns to your bottom line, improving productivity and competitiveness over time. Training apprentices can also be more cost effective than hiring skilled staff, leading to lower overall training and recruitment costs.
Fill your skills gaps
Apprenticeships deliver skills designed around your business needs providing the skilled workers you need for the future. They also help you develop the specialist skills you need to keep pace with the latest technology and working practices in your sector.
Motivate your workforce
Apprentices tend to be eager, motivated, flexible and loyal to the company that invested in them. An apprentice is with you because they want to be – they have made an active choice to learn on the job and a commitment to a specific career