Apprenticeships

Thank you for your interest in our Apprenticeship Programme.

Like you, many potential employers have questions about the possible benefits of taking an Apprentice on board. To help provide some feedback from employers who have taken Apprentices on board the following information was found:

  • 77% of employers believe Apprenticeships make them more competitive
  • 76% say that Apprenticeships provide higher overall productivity
  • 80% feel that Apprenticeships reduce staff turnover
  • 83% of employers rely on their Apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future
  • Two-thirds of respondents believe that their Apprenticeship programme helps them fill vacancies more quickly, whilst
  • 88% believe that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce

This feedback is based on some fundamental benefits which every employer will be interested in.

Improve your bottom line
Apprenticeships deliver real returns to your bottom line, with Apprenticeships helping them to improve productivity and to be more competitive.  Training apprentices can also be more cost effective than hiring skilled staff, leading to lower overall traiing and recruitment costs.

Fill your skills gap
Apprenticeships deliver skills designed around your business needs providing the skilled workers you need for the future.  They also help you develop the specialist skills you need to keep pace with the latest technology and working practices in your sector.

Motivate your workforce
Apprentices tend to be eager, motivated, flexible and loyal to the company that invested in them.

Remember, an apprentice is with  you because they want to be – they have made an active choice to learn on the job and a commitment to a specific career and company – yours.

Once you have had a chance to review the benefits for your company, please do not hesitate to contact us either by email to  christine.burkie@altoncollege.ac.uk or by phone on  01420 592211 / 07535356019. As the Apprenticeship and Training Manager, Christine can help answer any further questions you may have; and if appropriate, meet with you to help you define the best type of Apprenticeship for your business’ particular needs.

At Alton College we are totally committed to ensuring that the success of our apprenticeship programmes lead to success for local businesses.

Even in the current difficult economic conditions, businesses across the country are increasingly realising the enormous benefits that can be gained by having an apprentice on their workforce. It can lead to an all round more motivated, skilled, productive workforce and satisfied customers.

  • What is an Apprenticeship?

As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills for at least 30 hours per week. One day a week is allocated to attending College where the young person, aged 16 or over, will work towards their nationally recognised qualification. Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability and the industry sector. The minimum salary is £2.60 per hour; however, many apprentices earn significantly more.

Apprenticeships offer a structured programme and are increasingly recognised as the gold standard for work-based training. Alton College is able to leverage close connections with employers in the area and in doing so will ensure that the apprenticeships are being demand led. Apprenticeships provide cost effective training for employers because the training costs are subsidised by the government and fully funded for 16 – 18 year olds (a contribution is required if the apprentice is aged 19 or over).

Local businesses now have the opportunity to recruit a new apprentice or train current staff with Alton College. The apprenticeships are available at two different levels:

Intermediate Level Apprenticeships (equivalent to 5 GCSEs)
Advanced Level Apprenticeships (equivalent to 2 A levels)

For further information please visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

  • Benefits to Employers

You can receive up to £1500 as an incentive from the Government in its drive to build world-class skills among the young workforce by increasing the number of apprenticeships placed in local businesses. Alton College will assist you in securing funding and help you find a suitable apprentice who will complement your business goals and objectives.

The end result is that as an employer you are able to train and develop a highly motivated and committed young apprentice while receiving a government provided subsidy that lowers your employment overheads.

At Alton College we are totally committed to ensuring the success of our apprenticeship programmes and support your organisation through the process of training an apprentice.

To see how to realise a return on your investment please visit the ROI Apprenticeship Calculator.

  • What does the employer commit to?

As an employer you will be required to:

  • Provide the apprentice with an induction into their trainee job position.
  • Provide an agreement to participate and support the apprentice in their training.
  • Sign the agreed training programme with Alton College.
  • Ensure all Health and Safety standards are met in the apprenticeships working environment.
  • Allocate tasks and responsibilities to enable the apprentice to achieve their qualification.
  • Supervise and mentor the apprentice.
  • Provide a contract of employment with the apprentice in regards to all normal employment terms and conditions.

To register your interest in apprenticeships at Alton College, please email Christine Burkie or phone 01420 592210 with your specific requirements including your full name, company name, email address and phone number.