Apprenticeships

As employees, apprentices work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off-the-job, usually on a day release basis, apprentices receive training with a local training provider such as a college.

Apprenticeships are designed by employers for employers, and therefore tailored to meet the needs of each specific sector.

Apprenticeships can improve an organisation's productivity and profitability, and are an effective means of filling skills gaps in current and future workforces. There are many business benefits, from low training costs to increased staff retention.

Throughout an Apprenticeship, an employer representative from the college will support and guide you. They will work with you to;

• help you decide which Apprenticeship is right for you;
• explain the way that Apprenticeships might work for you and if funding is available;
• agree a training plan with your apprentice;
• recruit an apprentice or support your existing staff into Apprenticeships;
• manage the training and evaluation; and
• ensure that national quality standards are met and deliver integrated, coherent training.

Training Costs

The training provider will receive financial assistance from the Learning and Skills Council towards the cost of an apprentice's training only. Most apprentices are employed by business and paid a salary that reflects their skills, experience, age and ability (the minimum salary that can be paid to an apprentice is £80 per week which will rise to £95 in August 2009). A few apprentices will be on work placement with a business and get paid an education maintenance allowance, if they are eligible.