THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MORE IMPORTANT TIME TO EMPLOY AN APPRENTICE

Youth unemployment levels have rocketed in recent months as the lockdown period has really had a negative impact on entry level jobs, with an additional 154,000 young people out of work. This huge growth in unemployment risks impacting the future of this current generation for many years to come.

Over recent months, we have delivered a marketing campaign urging employers to maintain their investment in apprentices, detailing the great attributes that new, young talent can have in supporting business through these turbulent times. Millennials are the first generation to have completely grown up in a digital era and have skills and expertise in this area that many of us can only dream of.

The Government have backed this up by offering significant grants to employers who recruit new apprentices into their business, which, attached to already existing support, can provide employers with up to £3,000 per apprentice to help with costs. The new incentive scheme runs until the end of March and is beginning to have an impact.

Louise Jones, Employer Services Leader at Apprenticeships at Salford City College, commented, “The incentives are really starting to have an impact, with employers recognising that the financial support will help them bring fresh new talent into their business at a time when they need it the most. Most businesses have rapidly expanded their digital operations and processes and this really suits the apprentices we are providing them with”.

Head of Apprenticeship Delivery, Karen Kenny, has also worked hard with the apprenticeship delivery team to ensure a new apprenticeship programme is being quickly introduced. The Digital Support Technician programme is proving to be popular with employers, developing the skills within their business. Karen commented, “The new digital apprenticeship standard will enable employers to help develop digital skills across their business, so they have the capacity to train and support other staff.” See page 22 for more information on this standard.

Prior to lockdown, the apprenticeship sector was on a very positive trajectory, following a period of major reform and improvement. The Government is determined that this continues, and the incentives are vital in ensuring this happens. Apprentices need employment and employment can only come from committed employers who see the potential in developing brilliant, young talent in their business. The talent and passion available is amazing, so now is the best time to let them have a positive impact on your business.

For more information on how you can recruit an apprentice for your business with us, contact us on 0161 631 5555 or email apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk.

HEAR WHAT SOME OF OUR EMPLOYER PARTNERS SAY

TRACEY ATKINSON, DIRECTOR OF HR Frenkel Topping

“It’s been a challenging year for everybody, with Covid, but that shouldn’t stop anybody taking on an apprentice. It’s important to us that we are supporting the community, the local colleges and that we are getting staff in that have got many talents that we want to bring out in them.”

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JOHN WALMSLEY, DIRECT SERVICES MANAGER Casey

“We want to invest in the talent of tomorrow. As a company we are heavily for giving local people chances. Partnering up with Apprenticeships at Salford City College really helps us to access the local community, but not only that, to give them meaningful training.”

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PAULA SUMMERFIELD, DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Aspire For Intelligent Care & Support CIC

“I think you will probably find that when an apprentice comes on board they are highly motivated, they are enthusiastic, they are very eager to learn and have a great work ethic. They bring a different dynamic to the organisation.”