We need to start thinking outside the box when it comes to generating jobs and training people into tomorrow's new green industries. Read the thoughts of our founder Leah Robson reflecting on our commitment to training and its challenges. #greenjobs #apprenticeships #renewables #solarpv #ashp
With the increases in apprenticeship wage and minimum wage for young people, what can government do to encourage more SMEs to take on trainees? #budget #autumnstatement We totally welcome the news that the minimum wage for over 21s will rise from £11.44 to £12.21 and apprentices will get the biggest pay bump, from £6.40 to £7.55 an hour. Not that we've ever paid the apprenticeship wage, because it's too low to live on and discriminates against an older more diverse workforce. However, I do worry about what this does to SMEs wanting to take on apprentices. As the owner of a small business with 4 apprentices, I'm well aware of the extra costs in transport, insurance and time that are involved in taking them on. We do it because we want to invest in the long-term future of the industry and diversify the workforce. IMHO apprentices should have access to a University style loan that could go towards the costs of hiring an apprentice. We do it for degrees, why not for apprenticeship courses?