APPRENTICES CAN FUTURE-PROOF YOUR BUSINESS
Businesses are being urged to invest in apprenticeships to steer out of the pandemic downturn and build resilience for the future.
The Source Skills Academy is backing the forthcoming National Apprenticeship Week’s Build The Future motto and calling on employers to celebrate the positive impact apprentices have had on their workforces during the pandemic.
The 14th annual celebration of apprenticeships runs from February 8-15.
Being staged virtually, it will push the message that apprenticeships not only help individuals build career skills, they also strengthen businesses.
Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills Gillian Keegan said: “It’s been a tough year for everyone, but we want National Apprenticeship Week 2021 to be a springboard to looking ahead. Apprenticeships can futureproof workforces and boost careers.”
Dale Robinson, head of business development at The Source commented: “The biggest assets to businesses today are skills and flexibility, which is exactly what young apprentices offer.
“We have heard many times from businesses we work with that their apprentices helped them to adapt during 2020, give strong return on investment and are a crucial part of their plans for 2021.”
The Source, which has not-for-profit charitable status, has had more than 2,220 applications from would-be apprentices since April 2020 and has successfully placed more than 200 apprentices in the last 12 months. It is urging businesses to provide more vacancies.
For information on apprenticeships, contact Kerry Cook at The Source on 07584 391445
kerry.cook@thesourceacademy.co.uk
APPRENTICES – WORTH THE INVESTMENT
Businesses struggling to recruit the skills they need can develop skills in-house through apprenticeships.
Apprentices learn on the job and can be moulded into skilled employees who follow your processes and company culture.
They bring new energy, ideas and enthusiasm, which boosts morale and increases productivity right across the business.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) says companies report huge financial returns on their investment in apprenticeships.
For every pound invested in a level 2 apprenticeship, £26 was returned. This increased to £28 for level 3 apprenticeships. Apprentices are more likely to stay with you – 80 per cent of companies with apprentices reported a significant increase in employee retention.
Businesses with annual wage bills of more than £3 million pay the apprenticeship levy and have funds sat in their Apprenticeship Service account for training. Funds only stay in your account for 24 months, so ‘use it or lose it’.
All companies employing new apprentices before March 31 can access up to £2,000 per recruit via the Apprenticeships Incentive Grant. The money does not have to be paid back and is additional to the ongoing £1,000 grant employers receive for hiring an apprentice.
OUR APPRENTICES ARE A VALUABLE LAYER OF SUPPORT IN THE PANDEMIC
Talented young apprentices provided by The Source Skills Academy are helping a Sheffield business meet rising demand during the pandemic.
Medical and Legal Admin Services works with expert witnesses whose professional opinions are relied on in civil and criminal court cases, usually involving personal injury or clinical negligence.
Part of the Unity Health Group, MLAS services include finding the right expert to fit a lawyer’s brief and typing and proof-reading the expert’s forensic opinion.
“We ensure the report is accurate and on time. We are ultimately the expert witnesses’ gatekeeper,” explained MLAS director Colette Benn,Based at Ecclesfield’s Hydra Business Park, MLAS has 25 staff. Many have valuable experience gained in other sectors, but the company has found that adding apprentices fresh from education brings a valuable dimension.
Said Colette Benn: “They are thirsty for knowledge and have no preconceived ideas from past work experiences. We have now taken on eight apprentices and the seven who have stayed with us are fantastic additions to the team.
“Everything has to be done right first-time in our business and we encourage them to ask a million questions so they can learn and grow.”
MLAS began recruiting apprentices in 2019 and, as planned, set on more in 2020. Said Colette: “Our apprentices have definitely strengthened the team during the pandemic. “Their flexibility and willingness to turn their hand to new things provided us with another layer of support.
“We have been able to plug gaps with them and they have been invaluable in helping us keep up to date with general administrative tasks.
“That is just one return seen from investing in young apprentices.The wider picture will see us utilising them in our succession plan for the business.
“What is so crucial to the success of our apprenticeships strategy is the very strong relationship we have developed with The Source,” added Colette.
“They understand we want the creme de la creme – people with a great work ethic and good qualifications.
“Kerry Cook, business development officer, has been instrumental in finding the right people for us and the ongoing tutoring provided is key in getting our young people to where they need to be.”
KICKSTART A YOUNG PERSON’S WORK LIFE
Employers are being urged to give young people a chance – by offering them work experience placements through the government’s new Kickstart scheme.
The Source Skills Academy, an official Kickstart gateway provider, is staging a virtual event on February 10 at 10am to explain the scheme’s many benefits and help companies apply.
Businesses providing six-month placements receive grants of up to £1,500 to cover training, support and set-up costs.
The government also pay NI contributions and the National Minimum Wage for Kickstarters working 25 hours a week.
In addition, The Source is offering Kickstart recruits free online training courses in 130 subjects.
“Our virtual event will explain how the scheme benefits local young people and helps boost businesses of all sizes affected by the pandemic,” says The Source.
“Businesses get to interview applicants, can choose to top up wages and convert a Kickstarter they find invaluable into an apprentice after six months.”
Book your virtual place on February 10th. Email Kickstart@TheSourceAcademy.co.uk
