Response
Obviously, it depends on the individual. Some of our apprentices are perfectly mature enough to perform to a high professional standard alongside much older colleagues. However, as with any training scheme, careers guidance and support is very important.
Apprenticeships are not just offered in traditional sectors. There are more than 190 types of Apprenticeships covering hundreds of job roles ranging from accountancy to textiles, engineering to veterinary nursing, business admin to construction. Most businesses will have skills needs
that could be filled by apprentices.
Current employees can do an Apprenticeship and if they are aged between 16-18 their training will be fully funded by the Government.
The statistics show this is not so. 83% of employers rely on their Apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future. 80% said that Apprenticeship programmes reduced staff turnover. So, it seems that Apprenticeship programmes produce staff
loyalty and satisfaction (Feb 2008 Populus research).
Apprenticeships are in fact open to all age groups (post 16) and they can be beneficial career wise even for an employee with years of experience.
Government funding will provide 100% of training costs for 16-18 year old apprentices, and up to 50% of training for apprentices aged 19+.
Not so. Research carried out by Populus in January 2009 found that 80% of employers agree that apprentices make their workplace more productive.
However, an investment in time is necessary in order to get the most out of your apprentices.
No. Lots of people prefer to undertake vocational training as opposed to academic studies. And Apprenticeships result in nationally recognised qualifications too.
The average apprentice earns £170 per week, which works out at £8,840 annually. Considering that university students may graduate with debts
and need to find a job, the earn while you learn Apprenticeships route has several advantages. Career progression is excellent for apprentices, and over the course of their careers those with a level 3 Apprenticeship earn on average £100,000 more than those without. [A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Apprenticeships and Other Vocational Qualifications, University of Sheffield, 2007].
They have been around for centuries: Leonardo da Vinci was an apprentice! Since 1996/97 there have been more than 2 million Apprenticeship starts.
With the launch of the NAS in April 2009, there is more structure and support available for Apprenticeship programmes.
With the launch of the NAS in January 2009, there is now a vast support network for employers wishing to take on apprentices. Once contact has been established with the NAS and a geographical location ascertained,
a regional employer co‑ordinator will be in touch to review potential providers and frameworks and discuss opportunities with the employers. The Apprenticeship vacancies system will then help (with information from the employee) find suitable candidates. There is already a large database of interested individuals, so the process is fairly streamlined and aimed at ease of use for employers.
