With the increase in university fees and the rising
levels of unemployment, many young people are looking at the other
options available to them having left school or college. An
Apprenticeship is an option that is increasing in popularity. But what
benefits are there to you as an employer?
Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers, which lead to nationally recognised qualifications. There are three levels of apprenticeship available and there are more than 250 different types of apprenticeship. While government funding is available to apprentices between the ages of 16 and 24 in various different percentages, as the employer you will be responsible for the apprentice’s wages and on the job training. Since October 2010 there has been a national minimum wage for all apprentices, which is currently set at £2.65 per hour. Employers should be aware that “per hour” includes all time spent working and also all time spent training that forms part of the apprenticeship.
All employers offering apprenticeships should ensure that individuals sign an Apprenticeship Agreement, (similar to an Employment Contract). This is an agreement between the employer and the apprentice under which the apprentice agrees to work for the employer. The Apprenticeship Agreement was introduced in April 2012 and is a contract of service which reflects the fact that an apprenticeship is primarily a job rather than training. It also means the apprentice does not have any additional rights over those of other employees.
If you are an employer not offering apprenticeships then it could be worth considering and if you are an employer who is part of an apprenticeship scheme ensure have an Apprenticeship Agreement in place.
For more information contact Marsha Robinson or Jen Smith at our Chelmsford office on 01245 495111.
Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers, which lead to nationally recognised qualifications. There are three levels of apprenticeship available and there are more than 250 different types of apprenticeship. While government funding is available to apprentices between the ages of 16 and 24 in various different percentages, as the employer you will be responsible for the apprentice’s wages and on the job training. Since October 2010 there has been a national minimum wage for all apprentices, which is currently set at £2.65 per hour. Employers should be aware that “per hour” includes all time spent working and also all time spent training that forms part of the apprenticeship.
All employers offering apprenticeships should ensure that individuals sign an Apprenticeship Agreement, (similar to an Employment Contract). This is an agreement between the employer and the apprentice under which the apprentice agrees to work for the employer. The Apprenticeship Agreement was introduced in April 2012 and is a contract of service which reflects the fact that an apprenticeship is primarily a job rather than training. It also means the apprentice does not have any additional rights over those of other employees.
If you are an employer not offering apprenticeships then it could be worth considering and if you are an employer who is part of an apprenticeship scheme ensure have an Apprenticeship Agreement in place.
For more information contact Marsha Robinson or Jen Smith at our Chelmsford office on 01245 495111.
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