Employers... The proven way to train your workforce
Training apprentices is more cost-effective than hiring skilled staff – leading to lower overall training costs and reduced recruitment costs.
Populus Survey 2008
Apprenticeships help us mould employees, through training and on-the-job experience, thus providing us with the right level of skills and business.
Jill Carr, Training Manager, Pendennis
By 2020, one in five young people will do an Apprenticeship, recognising the excellent career prospects this offers them.
Learning and Skills Council
Improve your bottom line
Apprenticeships deliver real returns to your bottom line. In a recent survey, the majority of employers said that Apprenticeships helped them to improve productivity and to be more competitive. They also said that training apprentices is more cost-effective than hiring skilled staff, leading to lower overall training and recruitment costs.
Fill your skills gaps
Apprenticeships deliver skills designed around your business needs. They also help you develop the specialist skills you need to keep pace with the latest technology and working practices in your sector. Employers in the survey said they relied on their Apprenticeship programmes to provide the skilled workers they need for the future.
Motivate your workforce
Apprentices tend to be eager, motivated, flexible and loyal to the company that invested in them. Remember, an apprentice is with you because they want to be – they have made an active choice to learn on the job and a commitment to a specific career.
So, what are Apprenticeships?
They are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers, which lead to recognised BTEC qualifications.
Who are they for?
You can use Apprenticeships to train both new and existing employees. Funding is available to train apprentices.
Who runs them?
Apprenticeships are designed by the Sector Skills Councils (part of the Skills for Business network), while the Learning and Skills Council helps to fund the training.
How are Apprenticeships developed?
Business representatives from the relevant industry sector work with the Sector Skills Councils to develop the course content. Because they genuinely understand your business, the training will be relevant for your industry.
Where do they take place?
This is up to you. Most of the training is ‘on the job’ at your premises. The rest can be provided by a local college or by a specialist training provider, or you could deliver everything yourself.
What does the training provider do?
A training provider will provide an employer representative who will be able to support and guide you. They will work with you to:
Do apprentices learn basic skills?
Yes. All apprentices must learn key skills that support them in their job, including Communication and Application of Number. They may also take other key skills such as Information and Communication Technology, Working with Others and Problem Solving.
Are there different levels of Apprenticeship?
Yes. There are three levels of Apprenticeship available for those aged 16 and over:
1 Apprenticeships (equivalent to five good GCSE passes) Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2, Key Skills and, in some cases, a relevant knowledge based qualification such as a BTEC. These provide the skills you need for your chosen career and allow entry to:
2 Advanced Apprenticeships (equivalent to two A-level passes) Advanced apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 3, Key Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based certificate such as a BTEC. To start this programme, you should ideally have five GCSEs (grade C or above) or have completed an Apprenticeship.
3 Higher Apprenticeships Higher Apprenticeships work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level and in some cases, a knowledge based qualification such as a Foundation degree.
Do they lead to further qualifications?
Apprentices can progress to higher education, including University degrees.
What are my responsibilities as an employer?
You must give your apprentices an induction into their role and provide on-the-job training. You are also responsible for paying your apprentices’ wages.
Will there be a mountain of paperwork?
No. There is a need to ensure that the training provided is of a high quality, and that the public funding provided is used for training – but this is not a bureaucratic process.
Can I get help with funding?
Yes. Apprenticeship funding is available from the Learning and Skills Council for both public and private sector employers. The size of the contribution varies from £1,500–£3,000 up to £10,000–£15,000 depending on your sector and the age of the candidate. This is paid directly to the organisation that provides and supports the Apprenticeship. If you are a small business, this may be a training provider. Large employers with a direct contract with the Learning and Skills Council may receive the funding themselves.
How do I choose a training provider?
You should make sure that the provider offers a high-quality programme. Ask for evidence of performance and get references from other employers who use them. As all training providers are inspected, you could also ask to see the inspection report. You should be clear about what funding the provider will receive from the Learning and Skills Council and what, if anything, you will be required to contribute. If in doubt, contact your local Learning and Skills Council (see lsc.gov.uk). Ask the training provider if they have been certified by Training Quality Standard. This is an independent quality mark recognising the best providers of training solutions to employers. Visit www.trainingqualitystandard.co.uk
Where can I read about other employers’ experiences?
You can see the opinion of two employers who offer Apprenticeships on page 8 of this brochure. You can also read about employers’ experiences at www.employersforapprentices gov.uk. This is the website of the Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network, a group of employers that promote and support Apprenticeships. You can get in touch with them using contact information on the website.
Case studies - The word from employers
One of the main benefits of our Apprenticeships schemes is that the apprentices inject skill, youth, longevity and flexibility into our niche business. Apprenticeships help us mould employees, through training and on-the-job experience, thus providing us with the right levels of skills and discipline.
Note: Pendennis, a Cornwall-based yacht-building company, was the winner in the Large Employer of the Year category in the Apprenticeships Awards 2008
Jill Carr, Training Manager, Pendennis
Our investment in our apprentices exceeds the framework requirements in both learning and skills. We offer academic and empirical learning, designed to help develop individuals beyond their immediate role. This helps our apprentices apply their new-found skills when dealing with BT customers – a key skill, as customer service is a number one performance indicator for BT.
Dave Walsh, Head of BT Apprenticeships
The word from our learners
As my schooling drew to a close, I felt unsure of what the future held. I looked into Apprenticeships and other courses, and what clinched the Apprenticeship for me was the fact that I could go and begin a career, learning from people who are experts in their own right. I felt I could get involved in real work while applying my favourite subjects, like physics and maths, and continuing to learn.
Note: Rachael Hoyle was the winner in the Advanced Apprentice of the Year category in the Apprenticeships Awards 2008.
Rachael Hoyle, Advanced Apprenticeship in Aerospace Engineering
I’m currently working with the general manager in Coventry, reviewing our branch’s expenses. This time last year I was sitting in an exam – now I’m discussing finance for projects of over £400,000. How many 18-year-olds are able to say that? My Apprenticeship has really broadened my horizons and helped me to understand other people’s points of view: an important skill both inside and outside work.
Nimesh Chauhan, BT apprentice