Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships can make your organisation more effective, productive and competitive by addressing your skills gaps directly. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job experience and off-the-job study. Apprentices work with a mentor to learn skills and work towards a work based qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). Off-the-job, apprentices spend time with a learning provider, working towards a technical qualification such as a BTEC.
Apprentices gain key transferable skills - like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology, as well as studying (in most cases) for a technical certificate, which provides further knowledge and understanding of the relevant job.
An Apprenticeship consists of:
- A knowledge-based element
- A competence-based element
- Transferable or ‘key skills’
- A module on employment rights and responsibilities.
An Apprenticeship isn’t a qualification in itself but involves study for a qualification(s).
How Apprenticeships could benefit you
Apprenticeships can benefit an organisation by bringing in new talent and filling skills gaps that may exist. Apprenticeships are designed by employers for employers, and therefore are tailored to meet the needs of each specific sector. There are business benefits such as low training costs and increased staff retention.
How to set up an Apprenticeship
Information, advice and support is available to help employers who want to offer Apprenticeships. Most employers choose to work with a college or training provider who is funded by the Local Authority to deliver Apprenticeship opportunities.
If the apprentice is aged between 16 and 18 the Government fully funds the training costs of an Apprenticeship programme. Where the apprentice is 19 or over, employers are expected to make a contribution towards the cost of training. To find out more visit the Apprenticeships website or call 08000 150 600.
