Services for employers
Apprenticeships: What employers can offer young people
What is an Apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship is a way to continue learning while working and gaining National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).
There are two levels of Apprenticeships:
- Apprenticeships. Training for skilled and craft jobs.
This level is also suitable for those new to the industry. - Advanced Apprenticeships.Training for technician and supervisory jobs.
What does an Apprenticeship include?
Most of the training for an Apprenticeship is given through a training provider. A training provider works with young people and employers to identify the training required. Some qualifications are delivered in the workplace, others at college or a training centre. Qualifications include:
- National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) provide practical skills in specific occupational areas.
- Key Skills qualifications are transferable work-related skills. These include information technology and communication, application of number, problem solving, teamwork and improving learning and performance.
- Technical certificates are vocationally related qualifications that support the NVQ.
Who can do an Apprenticeship?
Funding for Apprenticeships is available to:
- young people aged from 16 to 25 years; and
- existing or new employees.
Connexions help young people aged 16 to 19 years, and up to 25 for young people who have learning difficulties and disabilities, to find Apprenticeships.
How long is an Apprenticeship?
This depends on the individual, but usually 12-36 months.
Some individuals may need additional support to achieve their qualifications. We can explain what help is available.
How Apprenticeships compare with other qualifications
Apprenticeship NVQ Level 2
Equal to:
- 5 GCSEs at grade A to C; or
- GNVQ (intermediate level); or
- Edexcel or BTEC First Diploma.
Advanced Apprenticeship NVQ Level 3
Equal to:
- 2 A2 levels; or
- Edexcel or BTEC National Diploma; or
- vocational A level (AVCE) or GNVQ (advanced level); or
- an International Baccalaureate qualification.
How your business will benefit?
Your business will benefit in many ways. Apprentices train to nationally recognised standards while they deliver the skills you need in your business. The training can be tailored to your business needs to improve employee performance and motivation, while helping to ensure high productivity and the competitiveness of your business.
The most frequently cited benefits of Apprenticeships by employers are that Apprenticeships:
- help to retain employees;
- improve the performance of existing staff;
- enable staff to obtain a recognised qualification;
- combat the impact of an ageing workforce;
- help instil company values and good practice amongst employees; and
- reduce training costs and help in sourcing good quality training providers.
(Source: Mercia Research and Strategy April 2006)
How much will it cost?
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) fund the training costs for Apprenticeships, through a training provider. The amount of funding provided by the LSC depends on the age of the apprentice and the qualification you agree they should gain.
Costs to you
- You need to pay the apprentice’s wages and any other related contributions, such as National Insurance.
- You need to provide staff time to support the apprentice in the workplace, and to liaise with the training provider.
- The apprentice will need time off to attend courses or training within normal working hours.
- Employers are required to ensure full-time employed apprentices receive at least £80 per week on starting work based learning. It is strongly recommended apprentices receive incremental rises based on competence, achievement and productivity to the organisation.
If you are interested in offering an Apprenticeship
If you are interested in offering an Apprenticeship please contact the Apprenticeships Online team who will provide you with information on our free vacancy service.
We can:
- help you find local training providers specialising in your area of business;
- help you find a suitable applicant for any new vacancy, free of charge, by promoting your vacancy through our website and vacancy bulletin;
- give you and the apprentice support once they start work; and
- help you find other ways of training and upskilling your staff.
Page updated: Saturday, March 15, 2008 6:27 PM
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