This year Apprenticeship week, supported by National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), took place between 7^th – 11^th February.  Following the success of Apprenticeship Week 2010 the aim of the week was to further raise the profile of Apprenticeships with employers, learners, parents, stakeholders and media alike.

The main objectives were to highlight to employers the advantages of employing and supporting apprentices in their workplace and to highlight the range of Apprenticeships available in different sectors and the progressions routes available to potential apprentices.

Staff at NWTC have been training apprentices for over 48 years, so the benefits to all involved are widely recognised and understood. Our tutors and training officers have a wealth of knowledge and industry experience, which is imparted to all our learners via a combination of workshops, classroom lessons and on-site visits. 

 

An apprenticeship is a work-based training programme designed around the needs of you the employer, which leads to nationally recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships have been developed across a wide range of industry sectors and are available with different types of employers - from large national companies to smaller local companies.

 

Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability and the industry sector.

 

Even in these uncertain and difficult economic times, apprenticeships can make your organisation more effective, productive and more competitive by addressing your skills gaps directly.

 

 

Adds value to a business

Productive and competitive business – giving you the edge

Plugs the skills gap in your organisation

Recruitment process that’s cost effective

Enables a company to try before they buy

New talent and young blood

Training that is all or part funded and is industry specific

Introduces new talent

Cost effective employment solution to staffing

Easier than you think!

 

 

1. Provide a safe and healthy working environment

2. Offer an apprentice a minimum of 16 hours per week to complete their apprenticeship. Generally, most

    apprentices are employed full time.

3. Allow up to 1 day a week release for off the job training with a training provider

4. Offer on the job support

5. Encourage the apprentice to grow and develop their skills

6. Pay the employee for the duration of the apprenticeship

7. Give at least 20 days paid holyday per year, as well as bank holidays

8. Give your apprentice an induction into their role.

 

 

Like all employees, apprentices must receive a wage, ranging from £2.50 per hour to £5.93 per hour depending upon age. Therefore the minimum wage for a full time apprentice is £95 per week. NAS research shows many employers prefer to pay more, with the average salary being £170 per week.

 

Key statistics from the Institute for Employment Research ‘Net benefit to Employer Investment in Apprenticeship Training’ (November 2008) shows on average an apprentice pays back your investment after just 2.5 years.

 

 

If the apprentice is aged 16-18 years old, you the employer will receive 100% of funding contribution for the costs of the training. If they are 19-24 years old, you the employer will receive up to 50% funding contribution and if they are over 25 years old you may only receive a contribution depending upon the sector in which you operate. This government funding is paid directly to the organisation that provides the training and support to the apprentice.