1. Bridges into Work
Barclays Bank has launched an initative called Bridges into Work, a package of support it has put together with the National Apprenticeship Service, the Prince’s Trust and Tomorrow’s People to help businesses find, employ and train apprentices. The scheme is helping to prepare 10,000 young people to start an apprenticeship and is introducing them to businesses for assessment days and site visits.
2. Work out first if there’s a job at the end of the placement
Taking on an apprentice can be a great way to boost your company’s productivity. But it’s important to make sure your apprentice reaps the rewards as well. Think ahead about future vacancies in the business and put together a development plan in that direction. Apprenticeships don’t have to be on site. Office roles such as admin, finance, IT, design, stock control, and transport and distribution all offer great opportunities for young people to learn a trade.
3. Financial help is available
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has made funding available for eligible companies looking to take on an apprentice. If they are aged 16–18 you will receive 100% of any training costs, while you’ll receive up to 50% for those aged 19-23. A further grant of £1,500 is also available for employers with up to 1,000 employees recruiting 16-to-24-year-olds. This is above and beyond the financial support offered for training costs and can make all the difference if you are new to the apprenticeship framework.
4. Structured training will help improve productivity
Young recruits should be training towards a recognised qualification for the duration of the apprenticeship. Keeping this training schedule varied and relevant will help create a highly skilled future employee.
The Bridges into Work programme can provide guidance on your training schedule and help you work through any red tape.
For assistance in finding extra training programmes near you, the Construction Apprenticeship Scheme (CAS) administered by CITB is useful.
5. Aim to pay a living wage
The National Minimum Wage for apprentices is £2.68 per hour, but many prefer to pay more. Think about how much you are able to offer, and bear in mind that apprentices in the UK are paid an average of £170 per week. Bridges into Work recommends that those who can afford it pay the national living wage to attract candidates with the greatest potential.
By Mike Thompson, head of employability programmes at Barclays. To find out more about the programme visit www.jobs.barclays.co.uk/apprenticeships or telephone 01928 703974
