All of a sudden, it seems, on the job training is right back in fashion.

For the Apprentices themselves, it offers a great way to earn, learn and acquire the skills and confidence they need to forge a successful future in their chosen field.

What’s in it for their employers though? What do the businesses that take on an Apprentice get in return? We think you’ll be surprised…

More information about Apprenticeships can be found on the following website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Providing for the future of your business

Almost all the employers we spoke to (and you can read their thoughts on the following pages) talk about Apprenticeships as crucial ‘investment’ in the future of their business. Some talk about Apprenticeships in the short term, as a route to gaining an extra pair of qualified hands to share the load.

Others describe Apprenticeships in terms of the eventual succession of their business, recruiting and moulding the next generation of company managers. In a wider context, many recognised that training is part of their obligation to keep alive the skills that UK commerce and industry rely on.

A new member of the team

In a smaller business especially, another pair of hands is always an asset.

Owners of hairdressing salons, car repair workshops, small building companies and businesses alike often rely on Apprentices to look after the day-to-day jobs that are essential to the smooth running of their business.

An Apprenticeship is also an opportunity for you to employ an ambitious and eager individual and train them up to your way of working. Pretty soon, you can find yourself with a new team member on board making a real and positive contribution to your business.

It doesn’t even have to be a young person. Apprenticeships are for all ages, so if you think someone in their twenties or even their thirties would suit your business and its customers better, it can be arranged.

All the support you need

When you take on an Apprentice, you’ll have all the necessary support and guidance you need as an employer from the College’s Apprenticeship Team. They’ll help you with issues of health and safety, tax, national insurance, employment law and more. You’ll have a single point of contact within the team and an Apprenticeship assessor will visit your premises at least once every twelve weeks to monitor progress and discuss any points you want to raise.

How much will it cost?

If the Apprentice is age between 16 and 18 the Government will fully fund the training costs of an Apprenticeship programme.

For Apprentices of 19 or over, employers are expected to make a contribution towards the cost of training and pay an Apprenticeship minimum wage, which is reviewed every October. The College Apprenticeship Team can give you the precise figures.

An Apprentice might even teach you something

If the idea of taking on a management role or dealing with young people is making you think twice about an Apprenticeship, you needn’t worry.

Today’s Apprentices are keen, self-motivated and professional

Every Apprentice is assessed to make sure they are mature enough in their outlook and have a sufficient sense of personal responsibility to conduct themselves properly in the workplace.

For many people, taking on an Apprentice brings out management and mentoring skills they never knew they had. For some, it’s even been a confidence boosting experience that’s convinced them they’re ready to expand their team and take their business to the next level. Who knows what it could do for you?