The last few years have provided a largely unwelcome challenge to our UK based employers. Adaptability and change continue to be high on the list of qualities a business needs to survive. So what role does training and apprenticeships play?
Firstly, there was concern about our increasing ageing workforce, and the economic impact that the anticipated skills shortage would have on the UK.
Let’s not forget BREXIT. The everlasting debate and uncertainties it has brought about, and continues to bring to our employers across all sectors, is difficult to navigate.
As for today, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a range of issues and forced change across all business sectors. We have experienced an overwhelming need for adaptability on a huge scale in the majority of sectors in order to mould businesses to the new norm.
So, it’s no surprise that the majority of employers we work with are looking to upskill and re-train their workforce. They want to ensure they are fully equipped to deal with whatever the future may hold.
In addition to this, we are supporting numerous individuals who are turning their recent unemployment into an opportunity to re-train, upskill and secure a brighter future.
The introduction of the apprenticeship reforms back in 2017 opened up the scheme to a much wider audience. As part of the reforms, the funding and incentives linked to apprenticeships were also overhauled. This resulted in a simpler and more viable option for the majority of employers.
The reforms allow 98% of UK employers to receive a minimum of 95% of their apprentice training costs from the Education Skills Funding Agency. They also allow 100% of UK employers to receive a £1000 incentive payment for providing a 16-18 year old with an apprenticeship opportunity.
As the UK began to ease out of lockdown, the UK Government also introduced an additional incentive payment for employers providing an apprenticeship for new employees, regardless of age. The new incentive payments apply to apprentices with a start date between 1 August 2020 and 31 January 2021. They are:
This has allowed employers to consider their succession planning. A process which naturally follows the restructuring and upskilling of their existing workforce. Introducing new talent in the form of an apprentice provides the opportunity to embed, train and develop their future workforce.
Apprentices are loyal and dedicated to their employer as they recognise the time, investment and commitment given to enable them to start their career. The wider team also experience a positive boost to morale. They recognise that their employer is investing in the workforce to introduce improvements. A happy workforce equals a happy environment and team spirit that fosters a great general company culture.
Learning Unlimited has adapted with the changing times to ensure that apprenticeships can continue to do what they have always done; to grow the skills employers need. We work with businesses across many sectors including:
We have the experience to guide you through funding applications and apprenticeship programmes. We pride ourselves on helping you find the perfect match from a talent pool of apprentices, who are waiting for the right opportunity to develop their careers.
