ApprenticeshipNC’s Post

Friday stuff.... Two crucially important points in the recent The St Martin's Group report on apprenticeship growth. Without oversimplifying it (but I'm going to) we've lost our way in bringing SMEs into the skills system. Its an unhelpful consequence of the levy. When we're supported properly, barriers removed or smoothed, we're in it for the long haul. A superb research project recently done in Australia by Professor Jo Ingold FIEP CAHR et al is as relevant in apprenticeships as it is in wider employability on the role of SMEs. It doesn't take a genius to work out if you deal with the bottom one of the two below, you make inroads into the top one.

Happy Employer Tuesday! 🎉 As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we're proud to support employers in shaping the workforce of tomorrow. From Accountancy to Facilities Management, apprenticeships bridge the gap between education and industry needs. Let's empower businesses to invest in talent and fuel economic growth! 💼 #EmployerTuesday #NAW2024 #ApprenticeshipWeek #TrainingProvider #WorkforceDevelopment #SkillsForSuccess #FutureOfWork"

Attention - #Apprenticeship news! From 1st April this year, the government will fully fund all apprenticeships for small businesses. This means the government will pay the full cost of apprenticeship training for anyone up to the age of 21. 🙌 New reforms will work towards: ✅ Supporting more employers to hire apprentices, ✅ Providing more apprenticeship opportunities for young people, ✅ Increased freedom of levy transfers. Want to know more about how this could affect you or your business? Click here: https://ow.ly/fYSw50QXsO0

This is good news for those smaller businesses who do not fit the apprenticeship levy category. When apprentices start with smaller businesses they get a really well rounded experience and can become a key member of your team. Take advantage of government funding and contact my colleagues at The Learning Foundry to access young talent and quality training.

All depends on who the training provider is

🎉 Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week! 🎉 I couldn't be more thrilled to see the incredible posts and stories shared throughout this inspiring week. The passion, dedication, and growth showcased by apprentices and their mentors have truly been remarkable. National Apprenticeship Week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in our future workforce. It's a time to recognize the countless opportunities apprenticeships provide, offering individuals the chance to develop valuable skills and kickstart their careers. I have been so impressed by the success stories, the innovative projects, and the unwavering commitment displayed by apprentices across various industries. From law to healthcare, IT to construction, each story has been a testament to the power of apprenticeships in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, let's not forget the incredible mentors and organizations that make these opportunities possible. Their guidance and support pave the way for apprentices to thrive and excel in their chosen fields. Let's continue to champion apprenticeships, promote skills development, and create a workforce that is ready to tackle the challenges of the future. Together, we can build a world where every individual has access to quality education, meaningful employment, and a bright future. #NationalApprenticeshipWeek #SkillsDevelopment #FutureLeadership #InvestInOurYouth

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week being held from 5th to 11th February 2024, First Intuition has shared the top benefits of apprenticeships. These were shared by speakers in panel discussions with FE industry leaders, employers of apprentices, and apprentices themselves on the ‘Apprenticeship Stage’ at Form the Future CIC’s Annual Conference. The key benefits of apprenticeships include: 1.      An opportunity for an alternative route into higher education than university 2.      A solution to skills shortages 3.      Introduces creativity and diversity into a business 4.      The development of well-rounded and employable individuals 5.      Motivated and satisfied workforces with higher retention rates 6.      The opportunity to earn whilst you learn 7.      Quicker career progression 8.      A two-way exchange of skills between mentor and mentee Links to the full article and summaries of the four talks at Form the Future's Annual Conference can be found in the comments.

Does the Apprenriceship Levy need to be reformed…..? I’d say so, there are clearly roles and individuals that require skills for which an Apprenticeship isn’t suitable. Flexibility is key, but with simplicity…. Employers are clear they need “rules” clear and simple So whilst the civil servants consider the changes - the % of a fund that can be spent on non Apprenticeship courses - whether co-investment is needed and what’s the intervention rate - how to increase 16-24yo (reformed AGE Grants?) - please keep it simple