Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers, which lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships are available to employers of all sizes and from all sectors and cover a wide range of occupations; they are a proven way to train your workforce and can make an organisation more productive and competitive by directly addressing skill needs, now and in the future.

Benefits of apprenticeships

Research among businesses employing apprentices shows that:

• 92% believe that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce
• 80% feel that apprenticeships reduce staff turnover
• 77% think apprenticeships make them more competitive
• 76% say that apprentices provide higher overall productivity

(source: http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/)

Your Return on Investment

The Return on Investment Calculator helps employers assess the average cost of recruiting and training an apprentice against the gains that come when their additional productivity impacts on the business.

Financial and other assistance for employers

• From April 2012 a £1,500 incentive for businesses for businesses with up to 50 employees (in some case 250 employees) that currently do not employ an apprentice
• Between 20% to 100% towards the cost of training depending on the age of the apprentice
• Free recruitment support from the Manchester Employer Suite

More information

The National Apprenticeship Service (0800 0150600) provides a dedicated support service for employers.