Apprenticeships offer you the chance to develop and grow your own workforce, improve your profitability and fill any skills gaps that exist within your business. According to the National Apprenticeship Service over 100,000 employers in over 160,000 workplaces have benefited in this way.
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What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are work-based vocational training with some government funding attached. Apprentices must have a contract of employment with your organisation, with their training taking place through a day or block release programme at North Kent College.
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What do I pay an apprentice?
Apprentices are paid for their time in the workplace and whilst they are training. They are employed by your business and are entitled to the same employee rights and benefits as other people in the business. We encourage employers to pay above the apprentice rate. Once the apprenticeship has been completed the apprentice will have both a recognised qualification and experience within their chosen field.
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When do apprenticeships start?
An apprenticeship can be started at any time of year. Once an applicant has registered their details with North Kent College, we will notify you about the start date.
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What is the length of an apprenticeship?
Programmes typically take a minimum of a year to complete, but some programmes can take up to two or three years, depending on the specialism of the apprenticeship.
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What qualifications will the apprentice get?
They will gain either a Level 2 or 3 qualification in the specialism you have chosen, with some programmes progressing onto a higher level including degree apprenticeships.
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Is there any help with the costs of training?
There is no cost to the prospective apprentice when undertaking the apprenticeship. As the employer considering the apprenticeship route, you should first determine whether you're a Levy payer, or not. If you are, you will need to meet the agreed training costs through your digital account. If you do not have a digital account, and you have more than 49 employees on your payroll, you will pay 5% of the agreed training costs. If you have 49 or fewer employees on your payroll, and your apprentice is aged 19+, you will pay 5% co-investment of the agreed training costs. Small business support (for those companies with fewer than 49 employees) is available for organisations recruiting 16-18 year olds, which means the training is fully-funded by the government.
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Are there any financial incentives?
Employers who recruit an apprentice aged 16-18 will be eligible for an employer incentive payment. The incentive payment is triggered at 90 days and 365 days after the apprentice start date. Each payment is £500.00.
This incentive payment is conditional on the apprentice remaining in learning and in employment.