1 in 5 SMEs to take on apprentices over next year
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
SMEs are planning to create thousands of new apprenticeships in the next year, according to new research by the Institute of Commercial Management (ICM).
The ICM revealed that 20 per cent of SMEs surveyed planned on taking one or more apprentices in the next 12 months, up to 39 per cent over the next five years.
Over a quarter of SMEs (29 per cent) said they were planning on taking apprentices as part of a core growth strategy.
During National Apprenticeship Week last month Vince Cable, Secretary of State for business, innovation & skills, said: "it's good to see that employers are increasingly recognising the value apprentices can bring to their businesses. Apprentices are now a key and valued part of the workforce for most businesses large or small - and the huge increase which this Government has overseen is one of my proudest achievements.
"Given the grants available to help small businesses take on apprentices, it's especially good that so many SMEs are embracing apprenticeships in the coming years and that apprentice recruitment now forms a key part of a businesses' plans for sustainable growth."
The study also showed that apprenticeships are growing in popularity, with almost half of employers agreeing they would be more likely to offer an apprenticeship now than two years ago, while 33 per cent said they would offer such placements because it had become easier to employ apprentices.
Jason Holt, small business apprenticeship ambassador said: "Apprenticeships really deliver for small businesses, enabling them to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. And for the apprentices, an Apprenticeship is a way for them to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future."
AGE 16 to 24 (Apprenticeship Grant for Employers of 16 to 24 year olds) amounts to £1,500 and is provided to employers with fewer than 1,000 workers in the UK. In order to qualify, they must be either recruiting their first apprentice or the first one in 12 months. They must also commit to keeping the apprentice on their payroll for as long as it takes to complete the training programme. For eligible employers, AGE 16 to 24 will be available until the end of December 2014.
In the case of apprentices, eligibility criteria include the specified age range and a requirement that they be new recruits. They must also reside in England and be applying for an apprenticeship programme recognised by the Skills Funding Agency. In addition, apprentices must not be engaged in full-time education.
For businesses with London borough postcodes there is an enhanced AGE 16 to 24, the amount available being £3,000. Eligible employers must apply for this by 31 December 2013. The additional amount for London businesses comes from funds provided by the London Enterprise Panel (LEP).
The application process involves the signing of an agreement between the employer and the chosen training provider and this must be done before the start of the apprenticeship. The qualification point for receipt of the grant is the completion of 13 weeks ‘in-learning'.
Cycle Maintenance Apprenticeships
The Cycle Maintenance Apprenticeship is for anyone working as a mechanic
who wants to gain training and qualifications to use during their
working life. Cycle Maintenance Apprenticeships from ATG Training give
you an apprenticeship and a Cytech qualification all in one course.
ATG Training are the largest provider of Cytech accredited training throughout the UK and offer two short-term apprenticeships for cycle mechanics, endorsed by Cytech.
- Bike Apprenticeship - for working mechanics who want more training and qualifications under their belts. This includes a Cycle Maintenance Certificate, Cytech Technical Two and DT Swiss wheel building training, Cycle Maintenance NVQ2 and Keyskills Level 1 or 2.
- Advanced Cycle Apprenticeship - for those who want more technical know-how after completing the standard apprenticeship. This includes the Diploma of Cycle Maintenance, Cytech Technical Three training (3 courses), Cycle Maintenance NVQ3 and Keyskills at a minimum of Level 2