National Apprenticeship Week returns on 7-13 February 2022 under the banner ‘Build the Future’.
T
he theme is more relevant than ever given the UK’s ongoing skills shortage, with over 1200 online and live events showcasing how apprentices make a real difference to business.
However, the event wouldn’t exist at all without you, the employers. Now into its 14th year, NAW has welcomed participation from businesses of all shapes and sizes.
And while the last couple of years have been far from normal, employers and apprentices are showing dogged determination to keep student learning on track.
Did you know? You can also use apprenticeships to upskill and retrain your existing workforce.
Full details about NAW’s activities will be published at apprenticeships.gov.uk in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, here are some tips about making the most of apprenticeships – and helping your apprentice make the most of their time with you.
Hiring an apprentice is easier than you think!
apprenticeships.gov.uk offers lots of advice about financial support and help available from the government.
There are a few key questions you need to ask yourself before taking on an apprentice.
- What funding is available?
- What are your responsibilities?
- What support do you have planned for the apprentice?
- Will they need additional learning?
- Have you chosen a training provider?
- Does your commitment statement list your apprentice’s learning outcomes and roles and responsibilities?
- What’s the next step when the apprenticeship is complete?
All apprenticeships in England must be managed through the government’s online service. You need to set up an account to:
- Access funding
- Set up and approved apprentices
- Advertise on Find an apprenticeship (this page is very popular, receiving over eight million hits every month).
- Liaise with training providers
- Give feedback on training
Upskilling your workforce
Apprenticeships from level 2 to level 7 (equivalent to a degree) are available, which can be designed by you to reflect the knowledge and skills that your business needs.
For example, an experienced employee may be keen to get a formal qualification in their specialist area, or someone really wants to learn something new and progress into a different role. It’s a great motivational tool, and is proven to boost employee performance and retention.
Find out more at apprenticeships.gov.uk/employers/upskilling-your-workforce