KR HR & TRAINING NEWS ARCHIVE

To mark National Apprenticeship Week (8th to 14th February 2021), our HR consultant Kirsteen Pearce has put together a quick guide to dispel some common myths and preconceptions around apprenticeships.

WHO CAN BE AN APPRENTICE?

In the past, apprentices were typically young people, usually school leavers in a practical profession, however today, apprentices can be found in almost every industry and are available at intermediate, advanced, higher and degree levels. 

An apprentice can be anybody, of any age (from 16+) or level of study in almost any profession. Apprentices can either be new recruits, or existing staff who you would like to upskill.

Top companies who hire apprentices include PwC, Rolls Royce, Microsoft, IBM, Eversheds (lawyers), and the BBC

WHAT IS THE DURATION FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP?

Apprenticeships must last for at least one year but can be up to 5 years, depending on the level.

HOW MANY HOURS ARE SPENT IN THE WORKPLACE?

About 80% of the working week will be in employment and 20% will be at the place of study.  All apprenticeships are genuine jobs so all apprentices must be paid at least the national minimum apprenticeship wage (including for time spent at college). Apprentices should work enough hours each week so that they can undertake sufficient, regular training and on-the-job activity.  

WHAT ARE THE APPRENTICESHIP RULES FOR EMPLOYERS?

Your apprentice must:

• Work with experienced staff
• Learn job-specific skills
• Get paid time for training or study during their working week.  

An apprentice is an employee, therefore you must provide your apprentice with a contract of employment by no later than their first day. In addition to the usual information which must appear in a contract, you need to include additional details about the progamme of study and training. We’re familiar with drafting these contracts so can provide assistance as needed.

WHAT FUNDING IS AVAILABLE?

Employers can get help from the government to pay for apprenticeship training depending on size. Additionally if you hire an apprentice that starts prior to 31 March 2021 you may also be able to claim up to £2,000 as an incentive payment.  

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HIRING AN APPRENTICE?

Not only does an apprentice give a person a great opportunity to grow and develop but it also provides many benefits to the business.

It is an effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.  An apprentice will learn new skills at college to bring back into the workplace and therefore help improve the range of skills within the organisation.   In a recent survey, 75% of companies surveyed said that apprentices tended to be more loyal, than non-apprentices.  

WHAT SUPPORT CAN WE RECEIVE?

KR HR & Training Consultancy offers employers support throughout the apprenticeship process, including with recruitment, coaching, performance management and writing contracts. We have also put together training for mentors so that they feel comfortable with their new responsibilities of taking an apprentice under their wing.

Keith Harris, Director at Soinspired Web Technology in Devizes, states “Kathryn helped us when we took on an apprentice and remained as a key advisor throughout his four year apprenticeship with us, which also saw Jake achieve his HND with us.”