Why should we hire an apprentice?
During early March, National Apprenticeship week took place, throughout this week employers and apprentices from across England came together to celebrate the success of apprenticeships whilst encouraging even more people to choose apprenticeships as a path to a successful career. Apprentices are aged 16+ and combine working with studying to gain skills and knowledge in a specific role which will help them in their future career path.
Employers are encouraged by the government to embrace apprenticeships and highlight their importance, enabling young people see the benefits. Apprentices are employed but they must spend at least 20% of their employed time in formal training—which is often provided in partnership with a training provider.
Apprenticeships can be supported with government funding of up to 90% of the costs of training and assessment. The amount of funding provided will depend on whether you pay the apprenticeship levy and your circumstances. There is extra funding available for companies that take on 16 to 18-year olds as apprentices. For more information on what the Levy is, and how you can get funding, follow this link https://www.gov.uk/take-on-an-apprentice/get-funding.
We look at some top pointers as to hiring an apprentice for your company:
- They can reduce staff turnover and solve recruitment challenges and skills gaps
- They can offer a new and motivating atmosphere in the workplace
- They relay innovative ideas, they are enthusiastic and creative
- Provides an invaluable framework to bright young minds
- Gives a company a great competitive edge and offers a new dynamic to the firm
Above all and most importantly, you are helping the young individual kick start their career!
Employers looking to find out more about taking on an apprentice should visit: https://hireanapprentice.campaign.gov.uk/?utm_campaign=get-in-go-far-apps-employers&utm_source=PR&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=NAW
FIESTA- Furniture and Interiors Education, Skills and Training Alliance
The UK has a thriving furniture and interiors sector with 8,000+ manufacturers employing over 118,000 individuals and generating £11+ billion to the UK’s GDP. It is a design led industry that contains many world-beating businesses. For the sector to continue to grow it is essential that it continues to attract the very best school leavers and graduates.
FIESTA has been formed to unite and inspire furniture and interiors businesses, helping the industry to become a sector of choice within the UK by facilitating internationally recognised skills development.
FIESTA will provide an employer-led forum which allows all its stakeholders to identify, clarify, promote and engage with all issues relating to education, skills and training at all levels, for all ages and for all sizes of businesses and sectors across the UK Furniture and Interiors Industry.
For more information, and for some case studies from real apprentices visit http://www.fiestalearning.com
