December 17, 2010
A new apprentice agency has been set up by the Learning and Skills Network to make it easier for small businesses to take on apprentices. The Agency will take control of the administrative aspects of apprenticeships, employing them directly on a business’ behalf and organising the training and courses that the apprentices will undertake.
The Government has a five-year plan to fund up to 75,000 new apprenticeships – so that the costs of the apprentices’ off-the job training can be met. These plans will enable small businesses to benefit from the ability to choose from a bank of trained apprentices who closely meet their requirements and skills gaps. The fact that apprentices are not taken on as employees means that employers can expand their workforce in a low-cost and low-risk manner, although apprentices are still entitled to rights such as the minimum wage and maternity leave.
Apprentices can provide flexibility in times of recession. Charities such as Age UK have recently reported a rapid expansion of apprenticeships taken on by older people. The flexibility of the schemes that can be carried out on a part time basis, enables businesses to take advantage of the skills that older workers have to offer.
