Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships-LLSC

 

 

Information for Employers


What are Apprenticeships?

They are government supported work-based training programmes that allow a business to develop a skilled, qualified and loyal workforce. They are a cost-effective work-based training programme designed around the needs of employers, which lead to nationally recognised qualifications. As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills.

Apprenticeships can be used to employ new staff as well as developing current employees. Apprenticeships ensure you have an up to date well trained and qualified workforce. They help address skill shortages, productivity along with enhancing the reputation of your organisation.

Why choose Apprenticeships for your business?

Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce:
  • 86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation.
  • 78% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity.
  • 74% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve the quality of their product or service.

Other benefits of working with apprentices include:
  • you can adapt their training according to the needs of your business.
  • they’re motivated to learn new skills.
  • you can expand and upskill your workforce.

What training will an Apprentice require?

During their apprenticeship, your apprentice will receive two different types of training:

‘On-the-job’ training will be delivered by you, as the employer. You’ll need to give your apprentice training and supervision to help them perform the job you’ve hired them to do. This will include skills and knowledge that fall outside of the apprenticeship, but which are needed for the job role.

As well as providing ‘on-the-job’ training for your apprentice, it is important that you are supporting your apprentice in additional ways to ensure their success. ‘Off-the-job’ training is delivered during your apprentice’s normal working hours. Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their working hours completing ‘off-the-job’ training. This is protected time and is a legal requirement for apprenticeship delivery.

This training will teach your apprentice the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship standard so they can achieve occupational competence.

How long will it take?

An apprentice is typically a fulltime employee who takes part in on-the-job training, with day release to a learning environment, dependent on the sector and qualification. They ordinarily take between 12 and 24 months to complete.

Your apprentice may also need to study for English and maths qualifications as part of their apprenticeship if they have not yet met the level 2 minimum requirements. You must allow your apprentice time to study for this within their normal working hours. Studying for English and maths is not counted as part of the 20% minimum ‘off-the-job’ training. Apprenticeships are designed on the basis that the apprentice already has the required level of English and maths, and so not all apprentices require this training.

How much does it cost?

The Skills funding Agency provides funding to cover the cost of the Apprenticeship framework for all 16-18 year olds. However funding is reduced for Apprentices aged 19+. All apprentices must receive the appropriate national minimum wage. Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage rate does not apply to Higher Apprenticeships. The current Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage rate can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates.

Can I get help with the cost?

Apprenticeship AGE grants are available to small to medium sized employers recruiting 16 to 24 year olds. This Grant for Employers with a value of £1,500 is aimed at eligible employers to assist when recruiting young people.

The “Sheffield 100 Apprenticeship Programme” aims to encourage young people aged between 16 and 18 years old who may not have been successful in the past at gaining an apprenticeship, or are most likely to fall out of education, employment or training and in need of support. The businesses that support Sheffield’s young people through this programme will be able to claim a wage subsidy of £1.30 per hour.

If you would like to employ an apprentice through the Sheffield 100 Apprenticeship programme or you have any questions contact:

    Tony Robinson
    email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How can Lifelong Learning and Skills help my business?

Lifelong Learning and Skills is part of Sheffield City Council and has a training centre located within the city that is dedicated to offering quality apprenticeships for small, medium and large employers alike.

If you would like any further information about the apprenticeships we offer at Lifelong Learning, Skills and Communities or wish to employ an apprentice then contact:

    Terry Mitchell
    Tel: 0114 2996718
    email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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