A WORK-based learning provider with a branch in Warrington says the Government’s new skills strategy will only work if more small businesses are inspired to recruit apprentices.
Scientiam, of Dallam Lane, made its remarks as unemployment figures revealed that more than one million 16-24 year olds are not in school, college or work. Scientiam’s managing director Mandi O’Shea said the Government’s commitment to expand apprenticeships set out in its new skills strategy “Skills for Sustainable Growth” and a parallel publication, “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth” is the right solution for tackling the desperate problem of youth unemployment.
However, she said the challenge now is to encourage more small firms to take apprentices on by vigorously promoting the new funding set aside for smaller firms training needs.
“We need to get the message out that the support is there to help any size of business to benefit enormously from taking on an apprentice,” she said. “We need to demolish the misconception that apprentices are only taken on by large firms. In fact the new apprenticeship products are perfectly suited to micro and small business. We work with lots of businesses like restaurants, retailers, electricians and plumbers who take on apprentices for either all or part of their apprenticeship.
Mrs O’Shea said apprenticeships and the new flexible ways of how SME’s can be supported to work with young people present terrific value for money and are a cost effective way of recruiting young talent.
“Employers can take on a 16-18 year old apprentice only having to meet the cost of their salary,” she said.
“Scientiam can then help subsidise the cost of their training with new Government funding. The apprentice is then put on a structured six to 12 month programme with an option for the employer to continue or terminate at any time. But this is fantastic for the youngster because it gives them the work experience they desperately need to kickstart their career. And for the employer they have a training package tailored to growing their future workforce that is incredible value for money. And it is great for the firm’s reputation, in the community, that they’re helping local young people – at a time of when youth unemployment is cripplingly high.”
Mrs O’Shea said Scientiam is seeking to partner with employers across the region wanting to take on an apprentice.
A WORK-based learning provider with a branch in Warrington says the
Government's new skills strategy will only work if more small businesses
are inspired to recruit apprentices.
Small firms should recruit apprentices
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
3 Comments
It is very hard for small companies to take on apprentices these days especially those who are in specific trades. One problem is the wages as for slightly more £ a week an employee can take on a fully trained and experienced person as there are so many looking for work. Also the H&S rules regarding untrained apprentices make it very difficult too as it means that a qualified person must oversee the apprentice at all times resulting in two people doing the same job which is again costs prohibitive for very small businesses. Such a shame as apprenticeships are a great way of learning and far better than sitting in a stuffy college classroom.
Dizzy is correct. Several years ago, in Warrington, my business partner and I decided that we should make a contribution to society, by employing a couple of apprentices. However, after several weeks of investigation, we found that even though we were a reasoable sized construction company, we did not have the facilities required by the law, to become involved in apprentice training. One of which was a fully documented written training program prepared by an approved third party and accompanied by a multitude of regular reports, all administered by a licensed proffessional. Bureaucracy killed our good intentions.
If the business sector want an educated, skilled workforce then the business sector should pay for it. University, college, and apprenticeship fees should be paid for by taxing businesses that will benefit from having skilled workers, why should public funds be used to protect their profits?