National Apprenticeship Week 2021
It’s National Apprenticeship Week, and this year the theme is Build the Future: Train, Retain and Achieve.
Each year National Apprenticeship Week takes place to celebrate and share the benefits of apprenticeships to both employers and the apprentices.
Benefits for employers
By taking on an apprentice, you can future proof your workforce. Investing in an individual, training them and then retaining them, can add value to your business. During their time with you, the apprentice would have gained the skills and knowledge your organisation needs, while also learning the values and culture of your business and the way you work.
Benefits for apprentices
For apprentices, you will get hands-on experience in your chosen profession and be able to implement your learning straight into the workplace. At the end of your course, you will gain a qualification. Apprenticeship courses are fully funded, so instead of getting into debt, you will earn a wage! The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for apprentices is currently £4.15 an hour (April 2020). Your employer is therefore required to pay you at least the NMW. Although some employers will pay more and there are different rates depending on your circumstances, for example, age.
The three core principles of Apprenticeships are skills, knowledge and behaviours. As each apprentice moves through their training, they will gather the skills, knowledge and behaviours to become competent in their chosen field. Through both aspects of their apprenticeship, the apprentice will need to demonstrate these three core principles.
How have apprenticeships changed?
In the past, apprenticeships have been seen as pathways for specific careers, such as hairdressing, motor vehicle and construction to name a few. But this is changing. Not only is there more subject choice, there are different levels of study available. Degree level apprenticeships are ideal for individuals wanting to move up the career ladder. While apprenticeships were previously stigmatised as being for school leavers, this perception is changing. They are a great way to change or progress your career and are open to anyone.
You can find all sorts of information on the Apprenticeships website here, including information for those interested in becoming an apprentice and those thinking of taking on an apprentice.
If you would like some support with either becoming or employing an apprentice, please get in touch on the details below.
AUTHOR: Sue Willmott
– Remote HR and Careers Consultant for Sue Willmott HR & Careers Consultancy.
I am an Associate Member of the CIPD. I hold an MA in Human Resource Management and an ILM Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring. We are Matrix Accredited and a member of the Careers Development Institute.
You can contact me here:
