Apprenticeships

Between February and May, we set ourselves an ambitious target of creating 300 apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days. With the help of Manchester businesses, we have exceeded the target with over 120 businesses coming forward and finding out for themselves the benefits that apprenticeships can bring to their organisation.

However, even though the campaign has now ended, our work does not stop there and we are still working to raise the profile of apprenticeships in Manchester. The revolution continues...

What are Apprenticeships? 

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers, which lead to nationally recognised qualifications. This means that as well as providing opportunities for people of all ages to learn new skills and develop in the workplace, the training is specifically tailored to the needs of the business to deliver real business benefits.

What are the benefits of Employing Apprenticeships for businesses?

• Apprenticeships can help businesses across all sectors by offering a route to harness fresh new talent.
• Apprenticeships ensure that your workforce has the practical skills and qualifications your organisation needs now and in the future. The mixture of on and off job learning ensures they learn the skills that work best for your business.
• Over 130,000 workplaces offer apprentice places because they understand the benefits that apprentices bring to their business - increased productivity, improved competitiveness and a committed and competent work-force. 
• The government meet the full cost of training for 16-18 year old apprentices and if the apprentice is aged 19 or over, employers receive up to 50% of the cost of training.
• Financial incentives are also available to help employers who wish to take on apprentices, particularly apprentices who are 16-24 years old.

Which businesses can benefit from apprenticeships?

More than 200 different apprenticeships are available, with options ranging from accounting and plumbing to engineering and media. There are all sorts of apprenticeships available for businesses of all sizes and from all sectors.

How can I find out more?

The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has a dedicated team, who can  guide you through the process of taking on apprentices. This includes helping employers find suitable training providers to deliver their apprenticeship training and to support them throughout. 

Help is also available with the recruitment process and the National Apprenticeship Service ensures that red tape is kept to a minimum. They will also be able to discuss the financial incentives that are available.

To speak to NAS about how apprenticeships can transform your business email Manchester@Apprenticeships.gov.uk, or take 30 seconds to complete our apprenticeship enquiry form. 

Once you have made contact with NAS, they will get in touch with you within two working days to progress your enquiry.

Please note: that the above email address and enquiry form are for employers only. If you are a job seeker or a parent of a job seeker, you can find more information about being an apprentice on the apprenticeships website.

"Laing O'Rourke currently employs 357 apprentices globally - including those on our bespoke Apprenticeship Plus programme. We believe the combination of structured training and practical application - typical of apprentice-based learning - creates highly motivated employees with the skills to sustain our industry" Callum Tuckett, who leads Laing O'Rourke's UK construction business