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Apprenticeships

What are Apprenticeships?

They are work-based training programmes which lead to national recognised qualifications for employees. They are designed around the needs of employers and whilst staff gain a relevant and up-to-date qualification.

We offer the following Apprenticeship framework:
•    Business and Administration
•    Customer service
•    Management

Trainees will achieve an NVQ qualification awarded by EDI, based on assessment that takes place in the workplace.

All Apprenticeship programmes require learners to successfully complete some key skills qualifications as well as learning underpinning theoretical knowledge (technical certificate) that is central to their job. Most training is delivered on the job with some small off the job workshops, either at work or at our Centre (day release).
Who are they for?

You can use Apprenticeships to train both new and existing employees. Funding is available to train apprentices.

Business Benefits
Apprenticeships can help businesses across all sectors by offering a route to harness fresh new talent. UK businesses consider skills shortages and recruitment difficulties a bigger threat to performance than soaring oil prices and declining consumer spending, and more than a quarter of these rate this form of vocational training higher than any other qualification.

Apprenticeships ensure that your workforce has the practical skills and qualifications your organisation needs now and in the future. The mixture of on and off job learning ensures they learn the skills that work best for your business. Over 130,000 companies offer apprentice places because they understand the benefits that apprentices bring to their business – increased productivity, improved competitiveness and a committed and competent work-force.

Improve your bottom line
Apprenticeships deliver real returns to your bottom line. In a recent survey*, the majority of employers said that Apprenticeships helped them to improve productivity and to be more competitive. They also said that training apprentices is more cost effective than hiring skilled staff, leading to lower overall training and recruitment costs.
* Apprenticeships, survey conducted by Populus on behalf of the Learning and Skills Council, February 2009.

Fill your skills gaps

Apprenticeships deliver skills designed around your business needs. They also help you develop the specialist skills you need to keep pace with the latest technology and working practices in your sector. Employers in the Populus survey said they relied on their Apprenticeship programmes to provide the skilled workers they need for the future.

Motivate your workforce
Apprentices tend to be eager, motivated, flexible and loyal to the company that invested in them. Remember, 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.

Earlier research, conducted in February 2008 by Populus on behalf of the LSC to launch the first National Apprenticeship Week 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.

What’s in it for the Apprentice?

As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off the job, usually on a day-release basis, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Anyone living in England, over 16 and not in full-time education can apply.

Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability and the industry sector. The minimum salary is £2.50 per hour; however, many apprentices earn significantly more.
Key benefits:
•    earn a salary
•    get paid holidays
•    receive training
•    gain qualifications
•    learn job-specific skills.

Levels of Apprenticeships

We are pleased to offer two levels of Apprenticeship for those aged 16 and over:

1 - Apprenticeships (equivalent to five good GCSE passes)
•    Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2, Key Skills and, in some cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification such as a BTEC.
•    These provide the skills you need for your chosen career and allow entry to an Advanced Apprenticeship.

2 - Advanced Apprenticeships (equivalent to two A-level passes)
•    Advanced apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as NVQ Level 3, Key Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge based certificate such as a BTEC.  
•    To start this programme, you should ideally have five GCSEs (grade C or above) or have completed an Apprenticeship.

Small & Medium Enterprises

We work directly with Small and Medium Sized Businesses and their advisors across the UK on all aspects of starting, sustaining and growing a business including:

  • Raising Finance and Funding
  • Strategic and Business Planning
  • Business Mentoring and Coaching
  • Marketing and Sales

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Social Enterprises

We work directly with Social Enterprises and their advisors across the UK on all aspects of developing, promoting and sustaining Social Enterprises:

  • Grants, Loans & More Income
  • Advisor and Consultant Training
  • Sustainability & Growth
  • ILM L5 Social Enterprise Support

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Book an Appointment Now!

Meet with us on the telephone or face to face to discuss how we can help you with one or more of the following (You will receive a free 7 point action plan):

  • Applying for Grants & Tenders
  • Planning to Achieve More
  • Ideas for Income Generation
  • Attracting More Customers

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