The first national apprenticeship scheme introduced across the nation can be traced all the way back to the Middle Ages. Back in the 1500’s, medieval craftsmen would employ young apprentices, teach them trade skills, taking responsibility for their welfare and provide them with food and a place to sleep.
Over the last five centuries, apprenticeship schemes have grown to provide people of all ages further education opportunities from levels 2 (GCSE) through to 7 (masters degree), with almost 750,000 people participating in an apprenticeship in 2018/19.
A lot has changed since the Middle Ages, however apprenticeships are still aligned with out-dated views so we’re hoping to dispel some myths!
1. It’s difficult to find a good quality apprentice
Incorrect! By working with Wirral Met’s experienced Apprenticeships team, you’ll be able to recruit from a large database of high quality, committed students who are likely to have already started on a course within the sector you are recruiting in to.
2. Apprentices make tea
Sort-of true! Today’s apprentices are making a difference to their workplaces, filling the ever-growing skills gap. It’d be rude not to make a brew for the rest of the team whilst the kettles on.
3. Apprenticeships are only for people who didn’t do well in school
That’s a myth! Apprenticeships are for people of all ages and provide an alternative route to gaining a qualification, earning whilst learning and providing an alternative to tuition fee loans associated with going to university.
4. Apprenticeships are only available in industrial sectors
Wrong! There are currently over 1,500 apprenticeship standards available across 170 industries.
5. It’s difficult to access funding for apprenticeships
No! In addition to the existing £1,000.00 incentive (also known as the apprenticeship levy) for new apprentices aged 16-18 and those aged under 25 with an Education Health & Care Plan (EHCP); the government has announced new employer incentives for the recruitment of apprentices.This funding can be used on anything to support organisational costs, for example facilities, uniforms, apprentice’s travel or their salary:
- A new payment of £2,000.00 for employers in England for each new apprentice hired under the age of 25 between the 1st of August 2020 and the 31st of January 2021.*
- A new payment of £1,500.00 for employers in England for each new apprentice hired over the age of 25 between the 1st of August 2020 and the 31st of January 2021.*
- There is currently no limit to this, i.e. on the number of apprentices taken on in this period to receive the incentive.*
*correct as of 02/09/2020
With an apprenticeship, you can create a highly skilled workforce and/or develop your existing employees to help grow your business – TRUTH!
Get in touch with our friendly team for more details on providing apprenticeships within your business today.