How would you like to be given the chance to train a potential employee so that their skills match the

needs of your business?

Sarah Colclough Kent County Council

What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprentices are employees of your organisation who are participating in a government funded training program

You can use Apprenticeships to train both new and existing employees
Apprenticeships are: Work-based training programmes

Designed around the needs of employers Chance for young people to gain hands on experience Opportunity for young people to earn whilst they learn Nationally recognised qualifications

Designed by Sector Skills Councils Training is relevant to your industry Funding is available towards the training

Who can do an Apprenticeship?

Candidates must be:
Over 16 Not in full-time education Eligible to work in England Work ready and have the right skill levels

What do Employers Think?

88% of employers believe that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce 83% of employers rely on their Apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future 80% of employers say that Apprenticeships reduce staff turnover 77% of employers believe Apprenticeships make them more competitive 76% of employers say that Apprenticeships provide higher overall productivity

What are the Business Benefits?

Apprenticeships make good business sense, especially in todays tough economic climate. They are the most cost effective way to grow your business. Wage costs are affordable and over 50% of employers report that Apprenticeships are more costs effective than hiring staff.
By recruiting an apprentice you can: Improve Productivity Provide local people the chance to learn and earn Increase competition Reduce training costs Improve staff turnover Motivate the workforce Bring in fresh ideas and new ways of thinking Avoid skills shortages Improve morale of staff Train managers of the future

Apprentice Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage for apprentices is 2.60 per hour This applies to time working, plus time spent training The wage applies to all apprentices aged under 19 The wage applies to apprentices aged 19 or over in the first year of their Apprenticeship. Employers can pay above the minimum wage and many do so

Apprenticeship Funding
16-18 year old Apprentices
Employers only pay the salary. The Government will fund their training.

19-24 year old Apprentices

Employers may be asked to fund up to 50% of the training costs. This cost will depend on the skill area, length of apprenticeship and training provider

25+ Apprentices
The employer may only get a contribution depending on the sector and area in which you operate.

Levels of Apprenticeships?
There are three levels of Apprenticeship available:

1 - Intermediate Level Apprenticeships The Apprentice works towards a level 2 Qualification 2 - Advanced Level Apprenticeships
The Apprentice works towards a level 3 Qualification

3 - Higher Apprenticeships
The Apprentice works towards a Level 4 Qualification or in some cases, a knowledge-based qualification such as a Foundation degree. In some cases apprentices can also progress to higher education, including university degrees.

Apprenticeships Framework
There are a number of elements to each Apprenticeship and this is called the Framework. This means the apprentice will get a range of qualifications as they progress through their training and education

Work Based Qualification

Assesses the practical side of the job e.g. an NVQ

Technical Certificate
These are knowledge based qualifications and assess the underpinning knowledge specific to the sector you work in e.g. a BTEC

Key Skills
Assesses other skills such as Communication, Application of number, Working with Others and IT

Training Providers
As Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes, most of the training is on the job at your premises.
The rest is provided by a local college or by a specialist training provider

A Training Provider will :

Help you decide which Apprenticeship is right for you Recruit an apprentice or support your existing staff into Apprenticeships Allocate a personal tutor to your apprentice

Agree a training plan with your apprentice

Manage your apprentices training and evaluation Ensure that national quality standards are met Keep employer inform of progress

Employer Responsibilities
Provide the apprentice with a contract of employment Give the apprentice copies of the Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures Explain what is expected of the apprentice in the work place Encourage the apprentice to actively participate within the team Give reassurance that they can ask questions at any time Hold regular supervision sessions with the apprentice Have an understanding of the qualification framework Provide written witness statements evidencing competence Agreeing time for the apprentice to work on their Apprenticeship qualifications Explain jargon and abbreviations Give praise and recognition of achievements and effort

Apprentices Responsibilities
The apprentice will be required to adhere to the organisations Code of Conduct like all other employees. As part of the induction process it is important that the Manager sets out the standards required. The apprentice will also: Work to the best of their ability, following policies and procedures Abide by the terms and conditions of their employment

Be diligent and punctual

Keep necessary notes and records Undertake and complete assignments and assessments Keep the employer informed of all training commitments

Inform the provider and employer of any absence, illness and leave
Behave in a safe and responsible manner

Kent Apprenticeships Here to Help

The Kent Apprenticeships team have recently put in, robust, bespoke service for employers in Kent.

The Kent Apprenticeship team will act as an information and advice point for you

The model will adaptable to individual organisations circumstance.

Recruiting Apprentices
Recruiting an apprentice is easier than you think! An experienced Kent Apprenticeships advisor will guide you through the five-step process.
STEP 1 Contact the Kent Apprenticeship team on 08458 247247 or email info@kentapprenticeships to arrange a 1:1 meeting

STEP 2
Kent Apprenticeships works with KATO (Kent Association of Training Organisations) and NAS (National Apprenticeships Services) to find the training provider best suited to your business needs.

Recruiting an Apprentice
STEP 3 Get advice on contracts, wages and your commitment to the apprentice. The provider will visit you to determine your needs, assess the job role and risk assess the work environment. STEP 4 With the help of the training provider, create a job description for your apprenticeship vacancy. The training provider will advertise your job through Apprenticeship Vacancies Online. STEP 5 You receive a selection of suitable applications, which you shortlist for interview. You interview the applicants and appoint your apprentice!
Throughout this process the Kent Apprenticeships team are on hand to answer any queries or help solve any issues with the recruitment process, training provider or apprentice.

Kent Apprenticeships Here to Help

Our offer is: Easily understood and simple Fully supported by a designated Kent Apprenticeship advisor Takes confusing decision making away from the employer Gives support in selecting the most appropriate training provider Gives support in writing and administering the contract Support in advertising the Apprenticeship job Support in final interviews if requested from employer

Follow up support from the Kent Apprenticeships Advisor

Any Questions?
Sarah.Colclough@kent.gov.uk

01622 694939

www.apprenticeships.org.uk

www.kentapprenticeships.com