Apprenticeship: What’s in a name?
If someone says ‘Apprentice’ to you, what do you think of; a 16-year old in overalls; Alan Sugar’s wannabes? Or do you already know that apprenticeships represent both an extremely cost –effective way for employers to develop existing employees’ skills AND of recruiting new employees?
The Adult Apprenticeship programme, although not be the most aptly named scheme, is the Government’s flag-ship solution to up-skilling this country’s workforce. Apprenticeships are available to employees aged from 16, with no upper age limit.
The funding available means that this training is usually available free of charge and, as an added incentive to encourage employers to make use of the scheme, businesses with up to 1000 employees can now receive grants of £1,500 each for every apprentice aged 16 -24 years they sign up (to a maximum of ten payments).
Apprenticeships are NOT solely about job creation - although they do provide an opportunity for 16-18 year olds to take up employment with training - most apprentices – all those aged 25+, the vast majority of 19-24 olds and indeed a significant majority of 16-18 year olds are already in employment, in jobs without formal training, who have converted into apprentices following a fully authorised and accredited apprenticeship frameworks.
By taking advantage of this Government funded scheme, employers can up-skill their existing workforce for little or no cost. Investing a little amount of time and energy in setting up an apprenticeship scheme can bring a host of benefits to businesses: employees feel motivated and valued and gain recognised skills; training is tailored to individual businesses’ needs. Having a recognised training programme in place is also essential when applying for quality recognition, such as Investors in People.
As an approved training provider, GAP Training will take on the day to day administration and delivery of the programme, leaving you free to run your business.
Contact GAP Training for more information on apprenticeships, funding rules and eligibility and to find out if you qualify for Government grants.
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