National Apprenticeship Week 2022

This week we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2022. The week, in its 15th year, runs from the 7^th– 13th February and has proven to be a significant way to bring businesses and apprentices together across the UK.

National Apprenticeship Week 2022 aims to not only show how apprenticeships can help people develop their own knowledge and skills to build a rewarding career, but also the business benefits and return on investment of employing apprentices, how businesses are using apprenticeships to fill skills gaps, up-skill and revitalise their workforce ensuring they are future proof and future ready!

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences.

Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

An apprenticeship includes:

• paid employment with holiday leave
• hands-on-experience in a sector/role of interest
• at least 20% off-the-job training
• formal assessment which leads to a nationally recognised qualification

An apprenticeship is a great paid work opportunity for people over the age of 16 in England who are:

• early in their career
• looking to upskill in their current job
• looking for a career-change
• not in full-time education

In England, it is a statutory requirement for an apprentice to spend 20% of their paid time ‘off-the-job’. This involves essential training to help the apprentice gain the skills needed to complete their apprenticeship.

Off-the-job training is delivered by subject experts and can include:

• teaching theory (e.g. classroom lessons, lectures and online learning)
• practical training (e.g. shadowing, mentoring, industry visits)
• learning support and time to write assignments

The training can take place in or out of the work environment. Some employers will offer in-house training, others may work with colleges, universities and training providers to deliver the training for them.

The training must equate to 20% of the overall contracted hours for the duration of the apprenticeship. It can be delivered flexibly, for example, as part of each day, once a week, or as a block release. The employer and the training provider will decide on the most appropriate model.

Benefits of an Apprenticeship

There are a number of benefits an apprenticeship can offer. They are  an exciting paid option for anyone wanting to gain experience, up-skill or change career because they offer the chance to earn a wage whilst they work and study.

Benefits include:

• experience and skills development
• a nationally recognised qualification (with no tuition fees)
• employee benefits and a wage
• exposure to industry professionals

How can Centric HR support employers with apprenticeships?

Centric HR can support employers by researching and finding apprenticeships and sourcing the right person. Based on the apprenticeship requirements of a business, Centric HR can provide the following service:

• Identification of the most appropriate apprenticeship.
• Identification and appointment of the most suitable apprenticeship provider.
• Agreeing the “Band value” for course fees with the provider.
• Utilising the providers/Centric HR’s recruitment service and other options to identify a suitable shortlist of candidates for you to interview.
• Assisting with interviews/interview questions if required.
• Registering your business for a Government Apprenticeship Service Account.
• Assistance with accessing all grants and incentives for employing an apprentice.
• Drafting the statutory contract of employment and Apprenticeship Agreement.
• Acting as your representative to the provider to register the apprenticeship and set up all apprenticeship mandatory documentation.
• Explaining to your business the commitment required to meet the apprenticeship standard and statutory 20% off-the-job training.
• Provision of standard templates for use throughout the apprenticeship such as one2one and appraisal forms, course provider assessment form etc.
• Additional services may be available through discussion with the employer.

For more information on Apprenticeships please contact our team here.