How is my business going to benefit from an Apprentice?
Fill your skills gaps: an Apprentice’s training is tailored to your organisation’s needs, resulting in a loyal, motivated work force Increase productivity by developing staff skills and expertise.
Value for money: a cost effective way to attract new talent and fresh eyes into your organisation.
Cost saving: we can advertise your vacancies and recruit the best candidates for your needs.
An industry recognised professional qualification can be built into the course which your apprentice will bring back to the business, providing value for money and a return on investment in their career as well as bringing back up to date knowledge from college.
What is expected of the employer?
When taking on an apprentice, there are certain expectations that must be met by the both the employer and the apprentice. As the employer, you are expected to:
- Pay the minimum wage for an apprentice
- Provide a full contract of employment for your apprentice
- Offer the same benefits package to your apprentice as other employees
- Arrange for a workplace mentor for your apprentice
- Deliver a safe working environment
- Ensure opportunities are made available to allow the learning of new skills and knowledge within the apprentice’s contracted working hours
- Ensure the apprentice is given opportunities within contracted working hours to develop maths and English skills, where a GCSE grade A-C (or higher) has not been previously attained
What will this cost my business?
Levy paying employers can access levy funds to pay for this programme, and our blended learning model can contribute to the 20% off- the-job training requirement.
The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in April 2017 has changed the way that government funds apprenticeships in England. All businesses operating within the UK with a wage bill of over £3million are required to contribute to the Apprenticeship Levy.
- If the levy applies to your business you will be required to pay 0.5% of your entire wage bill into the levy. This will be offset against a levy allowance worth £15,000 for each tax year.
- You will only be able to use your levy payment for government backed apprenticeships.
- Levy payments will expire after 18 months.
Speak to an Advisor at our employer engagement team on 01206 712043 to make your levy payments work for you.
Levy paying employers will pay the full cost of the agreed funding band using their Digital Apprenticeship account.
Where applicable, non-levy paying employers will need to contribute 5% of the maximum funding band as published by the Skills Funding Agency for the delivery of training and assessment for their apprenticeship.
An employer contribution fee will be required for:
- All non-levy paying employers recruiting an apprentice aged 22 or over*
*For non-levy paying employers full government funding is available for an apprentice aged between 16-21 years old and apprentices aged between 22-24 years old who have either an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or has been in the care of their local authority, where the employer employs less than 50 employees.
Any associated cost to the individual will be made clear at the interview.
What about support in the workplace?
Skilled and knowledgeable staff must be available to support the apprentice in the workplace.
Does the apprentice have to attend college?
College attendance where required will be communicated post-application and enrolment.
Why should I choose Colchester Institute to support my recruitment and retention?
Colchester Institute is the largest college provider of apprenticeships in Greater Essex. We are experts at connecting the right people, to the right training, to the right business – and when it comes to Apprenticeships, our Apprenticeship Advisors can support your business every step of the way.
As part of our comprehensive service, we offer:
- Fee-Free Recruitment Service: We offer recruitment assistance at no cost to you.
- Advertisement of Apprenticeship Vacancies: We’ll promote your apprenticeship opportunities to attract the right candidates.
- Application Management: We handle applications according to your unique criteria, ensuring a streamlined process.
- Candidate Matching: Leveraging our extensive network, we can identify and recommend suitable candidates.
- Pre-screening: We conduct initial assessments to ensure candidates meet course requirements.
- Advice on Grants and Funding.
In addition, our team provides:
- Dedicated Account Manager: You’ll have a single point of contact for personalised support.
- Industry-Experienced Trainers: Our trainers bring real-world expertise to deliver high-quality training.
- Bespoke Programmes: We can tailor apprenticeship programmes to align with your business goals.
- Essex Priority Skills Focus: Our programmes are designed to address the priority skills needs of the Essex region.
- Free Employer Events: Take advantage of networking opportunities and stay updated on industry trends through our free events.
- Personalised Apprenticeship Levy Advice: Receive expert advice tailored to your specific needs.
- Ongoing Support: Our team conducts regular visits, providing support and guidance to both you and your apprentice.
Partner with Colchester Institute to unlock the full potential of apprenticeships for your business. Let us help you find the right talent and develop the workforce you need for success.
