This year the Government is encouraging thousands of small firms to take on young apprentices.
As of April 2012 an incentive is available to small employers willing to employ an 18-24 year old. The incentive is for employers with up to 50 (and in some cases up to 250) employees, and comprises a payment of £1,500 payable in two stages. It will be available to small firms in all industries and for apprenticeships at all levels.
The apprenticeships must be for a minimum of 6 months, and the money is intended to help towards the cost of training. This will support up to 40,000 apprenticeships and help young people into sustainable jobs that provide opportunities to achieve and progress. As an employer the benefits are invaluable:
“I believe apprenticeships hold great value and I know people who have made long successful careers out of them, It is a great way of learning for the student and a huge benefit to any business, taking a hands on approach and working your way up.”
Buzz Shrewsbury
Training and Development Co-ordinator
Crimestoppers
Click here to find out more about the apprenticeships available at East Surrey College. For more information on the Small Employer Incentive, call our Employer Services Team on 01737 788316 today.
Q: What is an Apprenticeship?
A: Apprenticeships refer to on-the-job training leading to nationally recognised qualifications, developed by industry.
Q: What does it involve?
A: An Apprenticeship includes the following components:
- A knowledge based element
- A competence based element
- Transferable or key skills
- A module on employment rights and responsibilities
Q: Is anything being done to help SMEs take on an apprentice?
A: Like any other business, SMEs can benefit from taking on apprentices. The National Apprenticeship Service is piloting a number of programmes to explore how the Government’s support can be enhanced, taking into account the unique cost pressures that SMEs face.
Q: Is there a cost for employers?
A: Like all employees, apprentices must still receive a wage. The National Minimum Wage for apprentices starts from £2.60 per hour (dependent on age). However, as skills develop, many employers tend to increase wages – in fact, research has found that apprentices earn an average of £170 net pay per week.
Q: How does East Surrey College support local businesses to establish apprenticeship programmes?
A: Our dedicated team of experts in Employer Services offer all the support you need with information and up to date advice on all aspects of employing an apprentice.
*FAQs courtesy of National Apprenticeship Service
