Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship combines working with studying to gain a qualification.  Anyone who is over 16 and not in full time education can apply to be an apprentice. As well as taking on someone new, apprenticeships can be offered to existing staff so that they can upskill.

There are different levels of apprenticeships ranging from intermediate to degree level.

An apprentice must be offered a minimum of 30 hours per week and be paid the minimum wage apprentice rate. Apprentices aged over 19 who have completed the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to be paid the national minimum wage for their age group.

There can be funding available when taking on an apprentice. For further information please contact the HR team on 0117 9702 755

Benefits for the Employer

There are benefits to the employer of taking on an apprentice. They are likely to be motivated to learn and develop and will gain skills that are directly relevant to their role and the needs of the organisation. They might also bring in skills such as up to date knowledge of IT and social media which could be useful for a business.

For new and existing employees apprenticeships can be a cost-effective way to upskill your workforce.

Roles in Practice

Apprenticeships can be used in a variety of non-clinical roles such as administration. Finance and IT for example. You can also offer clinical apprenticeships e.g. Pharmacy Technicians, Healthcare Assistants. For information regarding the Nursing Associate programme please contact Lucy or Kim nursing@almc.co.uk

Recruiting an Apprentice

You could advertise on jobs boards or on social media. Also Training Providers can place vacancies on behalf of employers on the government website for recruiting apprentices.

You might also consider visiting local schools and colleges or attending career fairs.

Choosing a Training Provider

An apprentice must spend at least 20% of their time completing off-the-job training. Training is designed on the basis that the apprentice already has the required level of English and maths (level 2), so any such training will not count towards the 20% off-the-job training requirement.

It could take place at the apprentice’s usual place of work or at an external location; as part of each day, a day a week, one week out of five or as block release.

When choosing a Training Provider consider things such as how they communicate their training programme and if they are recommended by other employers and apprentices. Consider things such as if they work with similar organisations, what support they offer the apprentice, how will they report the apprentice’s progress and how they raise concerns.

Supporting the Apprentice in the Workplace

As well as off the job training you should also provide on the job training. Ensure that you provide on-going support for the apprentice.  You should help the apprentice to adjust to the workplace and could assign a mentor. You must also make sure that you build in time for the apprentice to meet with the training provider for reviews.

This is just an insight into the area of taking on an apprentice. For further information please contact Pauline pauline@almc.co.uk or the HR team on 0117 9702 755