Taking on an apprentice
Taking on an apprentice – new and existing employee
The process for taking on an apprentice can be quite daunting, especially if you haven’t done this before. Therefore, the Greater Manchester Training Hub are here to guide and support you.
Following are 2 methods of funding apprentices:
Co-investment
Apprenticeships are funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. Employers with a pay bill over £3 million a year must pay the levy. Non-levy-paying employers with less than £3 million a year will not need to pay the levy.
If the employer does not pay the levy, then they always co-invest with the government. The maximum amount the organisation will pay for apprenticeship training that started:
- after 1 April 2019 is 5% of the total cost
- before 1 April 2019 is 10% of the total cost
Levy Transfers
Levy paying employers can transfer some of their annual levy to other employers. These transfers cover 100% of the training costs of the apprenticeship (you still need to cover salary)
Email: [email protected]
Key benefits of employing an apprentice
90% of apprentices stay with their employers upon completion of their course and nearly one quarter of apprentices go on to further develop their careers within 12 months of completing their apprenticeship
Apprenticeship pathways are now being developed to provide higher- level technical skills and provide a great option for retaining the existing workforce and building talent pipelines.
Apprenticeship schemes help employers ensure that they get exactly the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need while growing a talented and engaged workforce. Apprenticeships also help fill the skills gap within their current workforce and enable development in areas beneficial to the apprentice and the organisation.
Employing an apprentice can add a whole new dimension to your workplace, bringing with them a fresh perspective and new ideas. This in turn can encourage existing employees to undertake further development to enhance their career.
Each apprenticeship once completed rewards the employee with a nationally recognised qualification. The levels of qualifications are: Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSE passes); Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A-Level passes); right the way through to Level 6 (degree level) and Level 7 (masters degree).
The apprentice will be assigned an assessor who is the person responsible for setting all of their work, marking it and guiding them through their course. They are there to answer any of their questions at any point and provide them with support tailored to suit their needs.
Apprenticeships within your community offer an alternative to full-time education and can widen access to employment to all areas of your local community.
Inclusive recruitment to better reflect the community you serve is a key message of the NHS People Plan and can also lead to better retention rates and improved workforce supply.
If you would like to discuss your apprenticeship requirements, please contact us at [email protected]
National Functional Skills
Functional Skills, also known as Skills for Life include Maths, English and Digital Skills. Holding these skills at level 2, equivalent to GSCE grade 4-9 (or A*-C), is a completion requirement of apprenticeships at level 3 and above. Holding these skills is also crucial for all staff, both for confidence and career progression, and supports their every day work.
Learn more by accessing the Employer Guide.
National Functional Skills Employer Guide