Employers

What are Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are funded work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers.  They lead to national recognised qualifications and can be used to train both new and existing employees.

Apprenticeships are an excellent way to help your business grow.  In fact research by the Department for Business, Innovation & Sills (BIS) shows that an Apprenticeship adds the most value on average to a business, compared to other learning streams.  For an Apprentice, the benefits include increased wages and improved employment prospects, whilst employers are able to fill a skills gap and increase productivity.

 Apprenticeships are designed by the Sector Skills Councils, while the National Apprenticeship Service helps to fund the training. Business representatives from the relevant industry sector work with the Sector Skills Councils to develop course content; as they genuinely understand your business, the training will be relevant for your industry.

Levels

There are three levels of Apprenticeship available:

• Intermediate Level Apprenticeships
  Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2, Key Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge based qualification. These provide the skills you need and allow Apprentices entry to an Advanced Apprenticeship.
• Advanced Level Apprenticeships 
  Advanced Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 3, Key Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge based certificate. To start this programme, the applicant should ideally have five GCSEs (Grade C or above) or have completed an Apprenticeship.
• Higher Apprenticeships
  Higher Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 4 and, in some cases, a knowledge-based qualification such as a Foundation Degree. In some cases, Apprentices can also progress to higher education, including university degrees. 

Types of Apprenticeship Training

As Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes, most of the training is on-the-job at your premises. The remaining training can be provided by Runshaw Business Centre, or you could deliver everything yourself.

As the employer you must give your Apprentices an induction into their role and provide on-the-job training. You are also responsible for paying your Apprentices' wages.

Runshaw Business Centre will provide an employer representative who will be able to support and guide you. They will work with you to:

• help you decide which Apprenticeship is right for you.
• explain the way that Apprenticeships might work for you and if funding is available.
• agree a training plan with your Apprentice.
• recruit an Apprentice or support your existing staff into Apprenticeships.
• manage the training and evaluation.
• ensure that national quality standards are met and deliver integrated, coherent training.

National Minimum Wage

All employed apprentices will get a wage. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is currently £2.50 per hour (From 1 October 2011 this will be £2.60 per hour)*.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.

The Apprentice NMW applies to all 16 to 18 year olds and to those aged 19 and over in the first year of their Apprenticeship. If you reach age 19 and have completed the first year of your Apprenticeship your employer must pay you at least the full NMW rate for those aged 18 to 20. If you are already 19 and have completed the first year of your Apprenticeship you must be paid at least the NMW rate for your age. Please note that wage rates for roles within the Agricultural sector may differ from the minimum wage stated above.