Are you an employer looking for apprenticeship information and guidance? Stockport College has developed considerable apprenticeship knowledge after developing as a leading training provider in Greater Manchester.
We have brought together common queries about every aspect of apprenticeships. From funding and recruitment to compliance and safeguarding, find the answers to your apprenticeship questions below.
From improved retention rates to a higher employee satisfaction level, there are many benefits of supporting apprentices within your organisation. Whether you’re a levy-paying business or not, it’s worth understanding the value an apprenticeship programme can bring your business.
Apprenticeships are an investment in all levels of your team, from entry-level to manager and beyond.
An investment in apprenticeships is an investment in your staff team. Research published by the Department of Education found 97% of employers reported at least one major business benefit from apprenticeships. 86% of employers highlighted the benefit of developing relevant skills in their team, whilst 78% reported an improvement in productivity because of apprenticeships.
Employers can save up to £691 a year through no employer National Insurance contributions for 16 to 24-year-old apprentices.
There has been research into the financial benefits of apprenticeships, considering the increase in productivity against wage and training costs. A recent report found that young hospitality apprentices provided an average net annual benefit of £2,380 to their employer whilst still in training. The same report says the rise in productivity of apprentices benefited the hospitality sector by more than £40 million.
Aligning apprenticeship programmes with key business aims is a way of both focusing and measuring the impact of apprenticeships on your business. Alongside this there are financial incentives to minimise training costs and therefore improve return on investment.
Apprentices across every industry are more likely to stay within your business compared to other team members. Apprenticeships offer learners structured career progression and increased confidence, resulting in fulfilled team members.
In fact, 80% of companies that have invested in apprenticeships report an improvement in staff retention.
Employers will receive a £1,000 government incentive for each apprentice employed between 16 to 18-years-old. The incentive is also available if the apprentice is up to 24 years old and has previously been in care. This cash incentive is to help with costs relating to a business taking on a younger, less experienced team member.
It is a clear benefit for any employer looking to bring on young talent.
If the apprentice is younger than 25 and earns below £827 per week, employers won’t have to pay class 1 National Insurance contributions. The employee will still pay their share, so this is a benefit purely for employers. The money saved only adds extra value to employing an apprentice.
From new starters to management, there are apprenticeships for every level of your team. By mapping your apprenticeship programme to internal career progression, learners can understand their next step clearly.
Utilising your apprenticeship levy towards training your existing staff means a more engaged and skilled team.
Around 75% of applicants applying through Lifetime Training’s recruitment service do so specifically because it’s an apprenticeship. Earning an accreditation alongside industry-leading training attracts driven, forward-thinking applicants. A candidate that is seeking to learn and develop is an asset to any employer.
Employers can cut the cost of the recruitment process by utilising the College’s apprenticeship recruitment service. Applicants are screened against criteria set by our clients, with the final decision being made by the employer.
New apprenticeship standards are industry-led and are developed by employers in your sector. This means the skills, knowledge and behaviour developed by apprenticeships are made to be the best in your industry. Introducing apprenticeships means your business is up to date with the best practice behaviours in your sector.
