Apprenticeships - the benefits to Employers

The apprentice training programmes have been designed by industry in order to ensure that the skills that are learned are all of immediate use and benefit to your business. We can either find you a suitable apprentice, or provide training for an existing member of your staff. Apprenticeships have proved hugely successful in improving business performance and increasing retention of motivated staff.

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We are able to set up apprenticeships in the following areas:

Business Administration Apprenticeship
Customer Service Apprenticeship
Design Support Apprenticeship
IT Application Specialist Apprenticeship
Management Apprenticeships
Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Apprenticeship

Other role specific apprenticeships can be made available upon request.

Facts in numbers

• 80% of those employers who employ apprentices agree they make their workplace more productive. 
• 81% of consumers favour using a company which takes on apprentices. 
• The National Minimum Wage for apprentices is £2.65 per hour. Many employers prefer to pay more however, and research shows that the average salary is approx £170 per week. 
• Employers who take on a 16-18 year old apprentice only pay their salary. The Government will fund their training. 
• There are over 85,000 employers offering Apprenticeships in more than 130,000 locations; there are over 200 frameworks suitable for hundreds of job roles. 
• 88% of employers who employ apprentices believe that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce. 
• 83% of employers who employ apprentices rely on their Apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future. 
• One in five employers are hiring more apprentices to help them through the tough economic climate.

How does it work?

Apprenticeships include both on and off-the job training. At TowerSkills, we work collaboratively with employers to deliver the job training and qualifications that an apprentice needs to complete their apprenticeship framework.

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As Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes, most of the training is ‘on the job’ – at your premises obtaining the practical skills and job knowledge necessary for their chosen occupation. The rest is provided by the college via assessors who will visit the apprentice in the work place, in order to assess their skills and through the attendance of 10 theory based sessions spread over the period of the programme.

As the employer you must give your apprentices an induction into their role and provide on-the-job training. You are also responsible for paying your apprentices’ wages.

All apprenticeships have an agreed training plan. An apprenticeship is a contract between the employer, the Apprentice, the College and the SFA (Skills Funding Agency)
 

How much will it cost?

Apprenticeships are for all ages. However, the majority of the funded training is for 16 to 18 year olds. There are limited places for those 19+, funding is reduced for this age group and employers are required to make a fee contribution. The SFA funds the colleges apprenticeship programmes. Training is fully funded for 16 to 18 year old apprenticeships.

How long does it last?

All apprenticeships have a framework that has been developed specially for the relevant occupation. Different colleges focus on delivering different frameworks.