What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships combine practical on job training with sector related study.
As a result an apprentice will:
- work alongside experienced staff
- gain job-specific skills
- earn a wage and get holiday pay
- study towards a related qualification (usually one day a week)
Levels of apprenticeship
Not only does the apprentice develop top class practical skills they can link their position to acquiring a quality level qualification. This helps place the company ahead of the field and competition.
An apprenticeship has an equivalent education level and can be:
Intermediate – equivalent to 5 GCSE passes
Advanced – equivalent to 2 A level passes
Higher – can lead to NVQ Level 4 and above, or a foundation degree
Employing an apprentice
Lack of suitable talent is one of the main challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses, particularly at key points in the development and growth of a business.
Apprenticeships provide a cost-effective way for businesses to develop their own home grown talent.
Unfortunately many businesses are unsure how to access the benefits of Apprenticeships.
Which is why the chamber are linking up with key partners to help local business get the support they need.
Funding
Contact the chamber and we will arrange for a member of the team to make contact and explore the level of funding is available for taking on a apprentice, or fill in our form here and send to: business.support@wnychamber.co.uk.
Telephone: 01274 206656
Resources and useful links:
The Apprenticeship Grant for Employers of 16 – to 24 year olds – Factsheet (May 2015)
Government advice on hiring an apprentice – https://www.gov.uk/take-on-an-apprentice/overview
Everything you need to know about Apprenticeships from gov.uk – www.gov.uk/further-education-skills/apprenticeships
