employers / partners

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular option for many young people leaving school, sixth form or college.  An Apprenticeship provides on the job training leading to nationally recognised qualifications.

An Apprenticeship enables employers to recruit and train young people to ensure their company has the right people and skills to meet future business challenges.   The majority of learning is in the workplace, though in technical vocations day release to a college or training provider will be necessary. There are 160 Apprenticeship frameworks covering 80 industry sectors.

For more information on Apprenticeships visit http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Employers.aspx or call your local Connexions Centre.

If you are unsure about the overall integration of an Apprenticeship into your business contact Business Link Workforce Development Team on 01670 813322 and speak to an Adviser.

Employer's Guide (194.4Kb)

Directory of Provision 2009 (233Kb)

Business Benefits

• Motivated well-trained staff.
• A cost-effective form of recruitment.
• Avoids future skills shortages.
• Improves staff retention rates.
• Improves productivity.

Levels of Apprenticeship

There are two levels of Apprenticeship:

• Apprenticeship (level two). Incorporating NVQ level 2 and key skills.
• Advanced Apprenticeship (level 3). Incorporating NVQ level 3, Key skills and a Technical Certificate, generally a City & Guilds or BTEC.

How to recruit an Apprentice and set up training

• Contact the local Connexions Centre and place a vacancy.
• Connexions will identify suitable young people to fill the vacancy.
• Connexions will work with partners to identify the right training framework and a training provider who can deliver the training.
• Training providers will contact the employer and the employer will choose the most appropriate provider.
• Once a young person is employed and a training provider chosen the Learning & Skills Council will provide funding to the training provider to deliver the training.
• A training officer will work with the Apprentice and the employer to complete relevant qualifications, assess performance and development, support administration and act as general support.