According to the National Apprenticeship Service, employers who take on apprentices can benefit by gaining talented new recruits who are eager and motivated, while saving money on training and recruitment costs.
In 2010/11 there was a 64% increase in the take-up of apprenticeships compared with the previous year. However, critics said that too much of the Government funding available for apprenticeship schemes was being targeted at existing employees rather than unemployed young people looking to get onto the career ladder.
At the end of last year, the Government announced it would be introducing a series of reforms to strengthen apprenticeships, such as monitoring employers who run apprenticeship schemes to make sure they include a rigorous amount of “job-relevant” training.
Here you can find the latest case studies, guidance and news on apprenticeships…
Apprentices
Green energy jobs given lift by new Delivery Group
The Green Jobs Delivery Group, with business, industry, union and academia involvement, has been tasked with supporting the delivery of up to 480,000 skilled green jobs by 2030.
Future Skills Unit ‘will help learners make better choices’
The Future Skills Unit, announced in February’s levelling up white paper is set to be launched this month.
Half of employers want to replace apprenticeship levy with training levy
More than half of employers think the apprenticeship levy should be replaced with a broader training levy, the CIPD has found.
Childcare: Bright Horizons’ mission to elevate the profession
Nursery chain Bright Horizons has just announced a £10m investment in recruitment, retention and training. HR director Janine Leightley tells Personnel Today why this is important.
B&Q and Screwfix pay to rise from April
B&Q and Screwfix employees are to receive a pay rise in April, as their parent company seeks to attract and retain staff in a competitive labour market.
‘Clear market failure’ to meet reskilling needs, say directors
The Institute of Directors has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging the government to create tax incentives for workplace training saying there is a ‘clear market failure’ in…
Kickstart is ‘chaotic’ and failing employers and young people, find MPs
Like many initiatives triggered by the Covid pandemic, Kickstart was rushed and has failed to deliver predicted benefits.
How to improve uptake of apprenticeship schemes
Apprenticeships can improve diversity of thought within an organisation and set up employees in early careers with the skills needed to excel, yet apprenticeship starts are declining. Kate Burnett discusses…
Two in five report lack of candidates needed for growth
Mid-sized businesses say they will need to hire this year to support their growth objectives, but many are still struggling to find candidates with the right skills.
How can employers make apprenticeships work?
National miminum wage rate quick reference guide
How to make use of fixed-term, part-time, training/apprenticeship, casual or nil hours contracts (XpertHR subscription required)