An apprenticeship is not just for young new recruits – you can train any of your existing staff, from the cleaners to the CEO, from a level two qualification up to the equivalent of degree or masters level.
If you’re a smaller business they’re a cost effective way of increasing capacity and capability, or upskilling your staff to the next level.
If you’re an apprenticeship levy payer you can use your digital credits to manage your workforce planning and succession strategy.
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Sports students
What you need to know
An apprenticeship is on the job training with professional technical training built in. This can be done at College on a weekly basis, or on a block release basis. In some circumstances we can also deliver professional and technical training in the workplace.
We will work closely with you to ensure the apprenticeship suits the individual’s role and your needs.
Recruitment: If you are hiring new recruits we will help you do this, sifting for quality candidates and even interviewing if you want us to.
Levels: There are different levels of apprenticeships; Intermediate (equivalent 5 GCSEs Grade 4 to 9, or 5 A* - C), Advanced (equivalent of 2 A Levels), Higher (equivalent of a foundation degree) and Degree (equivalent of a full bachelor’s or master’s degree).
Your Responsibilities: You must pay the Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage, offer a minimum 12 month contract (30 – 40hrs per week) and support College attendance, on a day/block release basis.
New apprenticeship ‘Standards’ also require 20% of the apprentice’s work time to be spent on ‘off the job training’. Please don’t see this as a barrier. Your apprentices can still be in your business adding value and we will help you manage and record this.
Off the job training must be recorded and the following activity qualifies in line with funding criteria:
- Teaching of theory – lectures
- Manufacturer training e.g. new equipment or technologies
- Shadowing or being mentored
- Simulated exercises and role play
- Learning support provided by employer or the provider
- Practical training
- Attendance at competitions
- Some online learning e.g. webinars or blended learning
- Visiting the employer’s other departments
- Time spent by the apprentice writing assessments/assignments
- Industry visits or visiting other companies or suppliers
Funding apprenticeships
How much will it cost me?
You can get help from the Government to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment. The amount you get depends on whether you pay the apprenticeship levy or not. You will pay the apprenticeship levy if you’re an employer with a pay bill over £3 million each year.
Paying the Levy
If you pay the apprenticeship levy, you’ll receive funds back through the apprenticeship service to spend on training and assessing your apprentices. The Government will add 10% to these funds.
The first step is to sign in or create a new account on the apprenticeship service to fund your apprenticeships.
Our staff can help you do this.
If you don’t need to pay the Apprenticeship Levy
As an employer who doesn’t pay the apprenticeship levy, you will need to pay us directly for training your apprentices.
You pay 10% towards the cost of training and assessing your apprentice. The Government will pay the rest (90%) directly to us.
Government incentives
Extra support for small employers
Employers with fewer than 50 people working for them will not have to pay the 10% contribution for an apprentice who is aged between:
- 16-18 years old
- 19-24 years old and who has previously been in care or who has an Education, Health and Care Plan provided by their local authority
The Government will pay 100% of the training costs for these individuals, up to the funding band maximum.
Training Younger Apprentices
All employers will receive £1,000 if at the start of the apprenticeship, if the apprentice is aged between:
- 16-18 years old
- 19-24 years old and who has previously been in care or who has an Education, Health and Care Plan provided by their local authority
This payment will be made to the employer in two equal instalments via the training provider.
The next steps
To find out more about using apprenticeships to develop your current staff or take on new recruits call: 01522 876284, email: employers@lincolncollege.ac.uk or visit: www.lincolncollege.ac.uk
