Youth Apprenticeship Programme

  • could you use an extra pair of hands in the workplace?
  • are you interested in a proven way to improve and capacity build your workforce?
  • do you have a social conscience and want to do something for young people?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then you’d benefit from having an apprentice.

Some of the most successful companies in the country invest in apprenticeships because they recognise that it’s the way to build a suitably skilled workforce.

Businesses say that apprenticeships improve productivity because the programme is tailored to suit their needs.

It also works because it’s more cost effective than hiring pre-skilled staff with preconceived ideas.

Then there’s the benefit that apprentices are keen, flexible, eager to achieve and loyal to the companies that invest in them.

Interested but want to know more about the practicalities of an apprenticeship?

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are designed around your business needs to help you develop the specialist skills you require.

Apprenticeships are predominantly work based and depending on the course the learner is following, they may be on-site for five days a week, or require a one day release to attend a course run by the training provider. In some cases, you could deliver everything.

Training providers manage the academic side and ensure that the placement meets the national quality standards. Training providers can be specialist training institutions or FE colleges.

Apprenticeships are for people aged 16 and above, and can be used for both new and existing employees.

What about the money?

As an employer, you’re in control of your apprenticeship. The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) helps to fund the training. The amount of NAS funding depends on the age of the apprentice:

Up to 18 years, NAS pays 100 per cent of the cost of training.

Aged 19 and over, NAS will pay 50 per cent of the cost of training.1

Large employers with a direct contract may receive the training funding themselves.

The employer is responsible for paying the wages.

What other help is available?

In the Royal Borough, we’re committed to providing opportunities for local young people, despite the current economic climate.

To help create opportunities, we’ve developed a wrap around programme that involves providing financial support to employers; helps with recruitment, selection and matching of young people to placement; and provides continued support for the duration of the programme.

Our programme is called the Youth Service Apprenticeship Programme (YSAP) and is managed by the Education Business Partnership (EBP) and some key benefits are listed below:

1 Funding is paid directly to training provider.

Also:

  • £7,000 contribution towards a Level 3 Apprenticeship
  • £5,000 contribution towards a Level 2 Apprenticeship
  • Sourcing the most appropriate training provider to meet employer needs
  • A dedicated Employer
  • Engagement Worker to provide support from conception to inception and conclusion
  • Automatic entry to the annual awards ceremony

If you’d like to talk through the apprenticeship scheme, please email EBPapprenticeships@rbkc.gov.uk, download the programme flyer [PDF] (file size 435Kb)