The Halton Employment Partnership is committed to securing 100 new apprenticeship opportunities across the borough by the end of this year and is looking for local businesses to consider any new job vacancies being advertised as an apprenticeship job opportunity for local people. More than 300 young people and adults across Halton have already signed up to the National Apprenticeship Service to help secure future employment and training.

The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has developed over 200 different Apprenticeship Frameworks covering a broad range of occupations across all sectors of industry and commerce.

The Framework consists of working towards a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), a Key Skills certificate and, in some cases, a knowledge-based technical certificate.  Frameworks are available at Intermediate, Advanced and Higher levels to suit the job requirements.

An apprenticeship allows employers to recruit staff and offer them the right kind of training needed to support business needs. Apprenticeships bring considerable value to organisations, employers, individuals and the economy. Businesses across the country are now increasingly realising the enormous benefits that apprenticeships create, not only in terms of a highly skilled workforce but also by boosting productivity and staff retention.

As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off the job, usually on a day-release basis, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Anyone living in England who is over the age of 16 and not in full-time education can apply.

Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of the apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability and the industry sector. The minimum salary is £2.50 per hour; however, many apprentices earn significantly more.

Halton People into Jobs, as a member of the Halton Employment Partnership, has available an Apprentice Business Grant of up to £3000 to support employers in recruiting a new or additional apprentice. To qualify for the grant, employers must pay at least the national minimum wage depending on the age of the candidate and recruit someone who is currently unemployed.

Sue Price, Regional Director for the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “Apprenticeships bring considerable value to employers, individuals and the economy as a whole.  In an increasingly competitive world, no business can afford not to invest in training and apprenticeships are one of the very best and most cost effective ways for employers to grow their own talent.  That is why the National Apprenticeship Service is supporting the Big 100 campaign, working alongside the other campaign partners to ensure that more Halton organisations across all sectors and industries can have the opportunity to enjoy the business benefits that employing apprentices can bring.”

If you would like  more information about the Apprentice Business Grant or on how you can recruit a local apprentice for your business as part of The Big 100 campaign, call Kate or Lynsey at Halton People into Jobs on 0151 471 7516.