Summer is a crucial time in the apprenticeship recruitment calendar. With A-Level and GCSE results already released, many school and college leavers will be starting to think about their career options. They will be looking locally for options that suit them and their career goals; from higher-level study and other qualifications to university programmes and apprenticeships.
Apprentices work towards nationally recognised apprenticeships while earning a wage and gaining industry experience at the same time. Apprenticeships are designed by employers to equip apprentices with the relevant knowledge and skills to prepare them for a successful career in their chosen area of work. They also gain valuable work experience and learn transferable skills that set them up for the future.
The government’s scheme to help support employers recruit new apprentices into their business is available until the end of September 2021. The bonus payment of up £4,000 allows businesses to add to their workforce, find new talent and allow apprentices to kick start their career, no matter their age.
If you are an employer and you decide to take on a new apprentice between 1st April 2021 and 30th September 2021, you will be able to claim a £3,000 incentive payment. If the apprentice you hire is aged 16-18, has been in the care of their local authority or has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) you will receive an additional £1,000.
There are so many benefits for the employer if they hire an apprentice, here are just a few:
The variety of apprenticeships that are now available means that employers can not only recruit, train and shape new employees at an intermediate level but they can also develop the skills of existing employees. Higher apprenticeships can be used to help upskill current employees through training right up to university-level qualifications.
An apprentice will learn while they work. This may take the form of a day release to a college or other centre of learning, or they could be based on your premises for five days a week, completing their studies at work; how the apprenticeship is designed is based on the needs of you and your apprentice.
You don’t need to employ a new member of staff in order to benefit from apprenticeships. Most employers choose to recruit new people as apprentices but you can place an existing member of staff on an apprenticeship if they have taken on additional responsibilities or moved to a new role. This can be an effective way of training members of staff who have been identified as having great potential and want to develop their skills further.