Press

Apprenticeship boost for Business - released: 29th November 2011

Vince Cable guarantees quality, slashes red tape and delivers cash boost for firms taking on apprentices.

Vince Cable has announced new measures to ensure more young people benefit from an apprenticeship, and to help employers gain the skilled workers they need to grow.

As part of the Government’s plan for growth, Ministers are taking action to make it easier for companies to take on apprentices, and ensure that the quality of apprenticeships is continually improved.

Vince Cable was speaking alongside Skills Minister John Hayes at a summit for business leaders in London, stating that the government would slash the red tape that can deter hard pressed firms from recruiting apprentices, and provide a financial incentive of up to £1,500 to help the smallest firms recruit their first young apprentices.

Dr. Cable said: “Apprenticeships are proven to boost the life chances of young people, and are a sound investment in our future competitiveness. So when times are tough, it’s right that we provide additional support to help the smallest firms meet training costs.

“We’ll cut no corners on quality. Apprenticeships will remain the gold standard for excellence in vocational training – but where red tape serves no purpose, we’ll strip it away.”

when times are tough, it’s right that we provide additional support to help the smallest firms meet training costs.

A review into the quality of apprenticeships will be undertaken by a leading employer, reporting in spring 2012, to help ensure the highest standards in apprenticeships. Apprenticeship providers will also be required to offer training in English and Maths up to the standard of a good GCSE (level 2) for all apprenticeships.

 New measures to boost apprenticeships

•To encourage thousands of small firms that don’t currently hire apprentices to take on a young apprentice aged 16 to 24, the Government will offer employers with up to 50 employees an incentive payment of up to £1,500. This will support up to 20,000 new apprenticeships in 2012/13. An initial payment will be made two months after the individual has started their apprenticeship; the balance will be paid after the apprenticeship has been completed and the trainee has progressed into sustainable employment.

•Processes will be simplified to make it quicker and easier for employers to take on an apprentice. The National Apprenticeships Service and training providers will be required to ensure that every employer is in a position to advertise a vacancy within one month of deciding to take on an apprentice. Health and safety requirements will be streamlined so that there are no additional demands on employers that already meet national standards.

•There will be a renewed focus on targeting the programme where apprenticeships deliver greatest value - including on younger adults, new employees, higher level qualifications and particular sectors where they can make the greatest impact.
Apprenticeship providers will be required to offer training in English and Maths up to the standard of a good GCSE (level 2) for all apprenticeships

http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2011/Nov/apprenticeships-boost-for-firms

Apprenticeship update - August 2011

The BII Apprenticeship in Licensed Hospitality, launched on the 16^th August 2011 in London, was described as “exciting, innovative, fit for purpose and responsive to the needs of employers”.  This was the key message given in speeches byNeil Robertson (Chief Executive, BII), Brian Wisdom (CEO, People 1st) and Jeremy Scorer (Managing Partner, Charnwood Training).  The launch, attended by delegates from across industry, marked the beginning of a new framework of qualification for individuals within the industry wishing to improve their long term career paths in Licensed Hospitality and offers an exciting alternative to university. A career in the Licensed Hospitality will offer young people the chance to become managers of the future and take responsibility for multi-million pound businesses, often at quite a young age.

Upon completion of the Apprenticeship, individuals will receive an award acknowledged and recognised across the industry and in wider workforce training. They will learn not only about ‘front of house’ but also business skills, such as marketing.

For employers the rewards for hiring an apprentice can have a very positive impact on business.  A recent survey of businesses found that: 

• 81% said that employing apprentices generated higher overall productivity for their company.

• 92% said that their Apprenticeship programme better motivated staff and increased job satisfaction.

• 74% said that apprentices tended to be more loyal, remaining at their company longer than non apprentices.

The training is often free or subsidised by the Government.

Media response to the BII Apprenticeship launch has been so positive that both the BBC Radio 5 Live and South East Today programmes included coverage.  Interviews will be available to the BII website in the coming days.

Cathie Smith, Director of BIIAB, commented, “The first apprenticeship framework for the pub industry is destined to change the way bar staff are trained for ever!