Apprenticeships have changed. As an employer you now have more power than ever before to write new apprenticeship standards, select standards that are relevant to your business needs and choose your preferred training provider. Even the way apprentices are paid has changed - you can pay wages directly, or make payments through your apprenticeship service account.
Apprenticeships can add value at all levels of your business:
- Upskill your staff with industry relevant qualifications.
- Drive an increase in productivity.
- Promote long-term loyalty and reduce staff turnover.
- Reduce the cost of qualifications and training.
- Develop staff with a minimum of interruption to day-to-day operations.
- Offer genuine opportunities for personal development to both full- and part-time staff
- Scale your business with the help of an increasingly skilled workforce.
Apprenticeships can be offered to your staff without incurring major costs. Government will co-invest in apprenticeships with a split of 95% government contribution to 5% employer contribution.
Smaller employers who take on an apprentice who is 16-18 years old (or 19+ with a local authority education, health and care plan) could receive 100% Government contribution. Any employer who takes on an apprentice from the above category could also receive an incentive payment of £1,000.
Apprenticeships are offered across all levels of education - level 2 and Level 3 (GCSE and A-Level equivalent); level 4 and Level 5 (HND and HNC equivalent); and now level 6 and level 7 (degree and masters). We offer qualifications at level 4, 5 and 6, but are happy to recommend other local institutions who can provide training at lower levels.
Employers who are looking to take on a new recruit as part of the apprenticeship programme are welcome to advertise on Solent Futures and recruit from our pool of talented graduates.
Seen something you are interested in? Take a look at our course pages or get in touch with us using apprenticeships@solent.ac.uk. Still confused? Find out more about apprenticeships on GOV.UK.
Statement on use of subcontractors in apprenticeships
See the statement on Solent's approach to subcontracting elements of the apprenticeships offer
Get in touch
The team here at Solent are happy to talk through your current situation and look at how we can work together to address your training needs.
Get in touch with us via email at apprenticeships@solent.ac.uk or call 023 8201 5066.
Useful links
GOV.UK's guide to apprenticeship funding
Step-by-step guide to the apprenticeship service (PDF)
GOV.UK's apprenticeship homepage
Guide to employing an apprentice
You can also call the National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150 600 or email them at nationalhelpdesk@findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk.
