Employers
An apprenticeship combines practical on the job training with study. An Apprentice:
- earns a wage and is entitled to holiday pay
- works alongside experienced staff, gaining job-specific skills
- gets time for training and study related to their role (a minimum of 20% of their normal working hours)
There are a wide variety of Apprenticeships available ranging from a level 2 (GCSE level) to Level 7 (Master's degree). It is important to consider the Apprentices current qualifications and eligibility for the qualification and be able to support them with the work experience needed.
Details of all Apprenticeships available can be found at the Institute for Apprenticeships website.
If you are considering employing an apprentice but are not sure what to do, there is lots of useful information and guidance to support you on the Government's Apprenticeship website https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/employers, such as:
- Steps to a quality apprenticeship
- Stories from other employers
- Benefits to your organisation
- Hiring an apprentice
- Upskilling your current staff
- Funding
- Financial incentive payments
- End point assessments
- How to choose the right apprenticeship training
- Choosing a training provider
A step by step guide for employers to recruit an apprentice can also be found at Gov.UK website.
Apprentices must be well supported throughout their apprenticeship by knowledgeable and experienced staff; have the resources and equipment they need to do the job and get a minimum of 20% off-the-job training.
If your apprentice has a special educational need or disability, they may require additional support and/or workplace adjustments to enable them successfully complete their apprenticeship. Examples may include:
- 1-1 support
- additional time to complete tasks in the workplace and/or in exams
- more frequent breaks
- additional resources i.e. overlays or reading pens
- Access to Work
- learning assessments
A wide range of information is available nationally to support employers, here are some websites you may find useful:
- National Apprenticeship Service
Telephone: 0800 015 0400 - Employing disabled people and people with health conditions
- Help and support for young disabled people to find and stay in work
- Disability Confident and CIPD (PDF) : guide for line managers on employing people with a disability or health condition. A practical guide for line managers on recruiting, managing and developing people with a disability or health condition
- Support in finding employment with a disability confident employer
- Inclusive communication : How to produce communications that include, accurately portray, and are accessible to disabled people
- Help and advice from ACAS for employer and employees on disability discrimination
- Reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities or health conditions
- Employers guide to Access to Work
- Cumbria SEND Local Offer