Apprenticeships aren't only brilliant for young people trying to forge a promising career in the difficult economic climate, now there’s proof that they're great for business too. A new report (10/03/13) from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) has found the average apprenticeship completer increases business productivity by £214 per week, leading to increased profits, higher wages, and better products/service. Not only this, but by taking on an apprentice you know that you are investing in talent, energy and enthusiasm and are nurturing a new career opportunity for young people who really need a kick start for their career.

Reports like CEBR are hard to ignore. Finally, there’s real evidence that reinforces all the recent talk about apprenticeships and their place in driving the economy forward.  And surely that’s something we’re all striving towards - successful and profitable business as well as the development, training and up skilling of a new generation.

So if you’ve thought about taking on an apprentice, but thought it was too risky, too expensive or too much hassle, here are the facts:

The government is investing heavily in apprenticeships and is incentivizing businesses to take the leap.  If you are a business of less than 1,000 employees and have not taken on an apprentice in the last 12 months, then you will be awarded £1,500. This money can be used for anything – there are no specifications to it. And all organisations are entitled to up to TEN grants before the end of 2013!!!  

The government is also subsidizing apprentice’s learning at a local ‘training provider’ such as asphaleia ltd (in partnership with Northbrook College). 100% of funding for 16 – 18 years; 50% for 19-25 years. So, all you have to do is pay their salary. There is an apprenticeship minimum wage of £2.65 per hour for those aged 16-18 and the national minimum wage applies to apprentices aged 19+ (approx. £5-6).

You will need to provide the apprentice a minimum of 30 hours a week (this can include their day at the training provider) – meaning they will cost, depending on age and your budget, between £79.50 - £180 a week.  Great value if the average apprentice rises productively by £214!

What are the actual benefits to YOU of taking on an apprentice?

Apprentices apply for these opportunities because they are looking to develop themselves and gain experience in a sector they are interested in. They are flexible and willing to learn and you can shape them to fulfil the jobs that you need in your organisation whilst supporting them to achieve their qualification and gain vital experience.

A Business Administration apprentice, for example, can complete multiple tasks: reception, data entry, PA, database management, social media, filing, marketing, etc.  This ability to assist with most admin jobs and provide vital cover around the workplace, allows experienced team members/professionals to dedicate themselves to their actual roles and therefore develop within them.

Young people are tech-savvy!  Most know how to use Excel, Word and Powerpoint etc and could make a genuine improvement to your outputs.

An apprenticeship takes (approx) one year to complete. After this period the individual should be a well-rounded, well-trained employee who needs little supervision for day-to-day activities, should you be willing to keep their employment within your company.

Apologises for the length of this blog and well done for making it this far! But there is a lot to say about apprenticeships...

And why are boost asking you this now?

boost are managing the apprenticeship contract of local training provider, asphaleia ltd (who are operating in partnership with Northbrook College).  asphaleia are a young-person focused organisation who have been providing support through various education programmes and initiatives for 13 very successful years. Their diversification into apprenticeships displays their commitment to giving young people the best start to their young adult lives.

They have employed boost to make sure their young people are placed in the organizations who are right for them and vice-versa. That’s why we would like to hear from organizations that we have met though our SME network; people who are open-minded and looking to grow their business.

Via our personal connection with many local SMEs, and our explicit understanding of business best-practice, we are working closely with local SMEs who are looking to take on an apprentice. In the first instance, we are committed to fully understanding your operation and your business needs. Only then we will be able to work with you and find the right candidate for your workplace’s culture.

It is boost’s commercial acumen and commitment to doing what’s right for your business that sets us (and asphaleia) apart from other apprenticeship providers.

Plus, we really care about young people and their development - it matters to us if they are successful. Not only for your business, but for their potential to have really promising careers and futures. An apprenticeship is such an amazing opportunity and privilege for a business to have - you can nurture talent and potential in a young person, whilst ensuring additional productivity and increased profitability at the same time!

So what are you waiting for!! Get in touch today and we can arrange a meeting with you to find out more about your apprenticeship requirements: Email craig@boostconsultancy.co.uk