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
Entry requirements prevent young accessing apprenticeships
English and maths entry requirements are preventing young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, from accessing higher apprenticeships.
Hidden disabilities: Could apprenticeships open up access?
While organisations have made great strides in terms of diversity and inclusion, opening up apprenticeships to applicants with hidden disabilities could prove an untapped source of huge talent, according to…
How career pathways can attract and retain talent
Employers need to build clear and visible career pathways to maximise the benefits of apprenticeships, explains Phil Whitehouse.
MPs threaten supply chain levy if HGV driver numbers don’t increase
A report from the transport committee suggests a “supply chain levy” would assist in building facilities and training new drivers.
Would a general training levy solve the UK skills crisis?
Employers have called for a broadening of what apprenticeship levy funds can be used for. How would this work?
‘Inequality is embedded in our labour market’ says apprenticeship leader
A small number of universities are slowing the rise of diversity in the workplace, according to Euan Blair.
More than £1bn of upskilling loan money has gone unspent
In the past year alone, £97m of funding wasn’t spent, which would have paid for 120,000 adults to access courses helping them to reskill.
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.
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)