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Introduction
The 'Own Grown' apprenticeship initiative is a pilot project in which we are engaging with employers to help them to overcome the barriers to increasing numbers of apprenticeships locally. This includes myth-busting, signposting and brokering relationships with training providers. The initiative is supported by the actions in the 10 point plan.
They have been working with a range of partners to map current provision and develop a 10 point action plan. The actions from this plan will be reviewed in early 2012 to develop a clear future pathway for the initiative.
A key part of the initiative is to offer a free support and advice service to local businesses.
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Free support for local business
The Own Grown apprenticeship is engaging with employers to help them to overcome the barriers to increasing the number and variety of apprenticeships locally.
It will give practical help and support to employers, to show how apprenticeships can improve workforce skills and grow prosperity from the inside.
We offer a free service, where we can:
- Help you identify what type of apprenticeship would work for your business
- Identify the most appropriate training provider for you and your apprentice
- Support you through selection and recruitment
- Employing an apprentice is a great way to build your company's skills and prosperity from the inside
Apprenticeships are based in the workplace so employers get the skills they really need.
Please contact us if you want to find out more or arrange a 1-2-1 meeting.
Did you know?
- There are over 200 different types of apprenticeships on offer, in specialisms you might not expect like finance, HR and manufacturing
- Over 60 training providers operate in the local area
- You can have an apprentice without directly employing them
- Apprentices are cost-effective and lead to increased productivity, improved competitiveness and a committed and competent workforce
- You can train and apprentices from entry level right up to degree level and beyond!
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Own Grown Newsletter
Download the latest Own Grown Newsletter:
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10 point plan
The 10 point plan has been developed to support the aim of increasing the number and type of apprenticeships locally.
- Engagement with employers:
Offer practical help and support to employers
Engage with key business clusters locally - Map training providers operating in or available locally:
Map providers and employer demand to identify gaps
Increase the number of apprentice frameworks on offer locally - Publicity campaign:
Press campaign including leaflets/website - Develop an apprenticeship forum:
Develop a strategic group for those with an interest in apprenticeships locally
Information-sharing, identify and resolve barriers/obstacles - Myth-busting with schools:
Work with secondary schools to provide information and signpost and broker links for pupils and staff - Pre-apprenticeship training:
Work with partners to address basic skills and offer a supported pathway onto apprenticeships - Links with Work Programme providers and other IAG providers:
Support the numbers of clients moving onto apprenticeships via signposting and links to pre-apprenticeship training - South East Apprenticeship Company:
Work with SEAC to extend its operations locally, broker connections with employers - Investigate external funding:
Develop other sources of funding either via HBC or another stakeholder, including European funding - Rother:
Develop links with Rother District Council and other employers in Rother to look to extend the Own Grown initiative into Rother. This reflects Hastings and Rother being a single economic area, and the Hastings/Bexhill travel to work area
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What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme where apprentices 'learn' vocational skills and gain qualifications alongside earning a wage. There are over 200 different types of apprenticeships in a range of fields including customer service, business administration, finance/accounting and specialist manufacturing. Apprentices complete a framework of qualifications, including:
- NVQ at level 2-4
- Technical qualification
- Employment rights and responsibilities
- Key/functional skills if required (numeracy, literacy, IT, and a range of practical skills)
This is achieved through work-based assessment and modules and assessment (such as an exam) with a training provider. Apprentices require time during the working week to attend their training course and complete their portfolio. This can be completed at the workplace or within a training provider’s setting.
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Types of apprenticeship
An Apprenticeship can be completed at Level 2 (GCSE level), Level 3 (A Level) or Level 4 (up to foundation degree level). There are over 200 different types of apprenticeships, with more being released all the time. Visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk for full details of the apprenticeships available.
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Who is eligible to be an apprentice?
Anybody that is over the age of 16, living in England and is not in full time education can apply to be an apprentice.
Both new and existing employees of a company can also undertake an apprenticeship.
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Employment
An apprentice should be viewed the same as any other employee with comparable terms and conditions. However it is important to recognise they are working towards the skills and knowledge of a particular role and will require additional support or mentoring.
The length it takes to complete an apprenticeship can vary, generally a level 2 is around 12-18 months and a level 3 is around 2 years.
Businesses can employ an apprentice directly or can use an Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA). They directly employ and manage the apprentice and hire them out to a ‘host employer’. This can help businesses who do not have or want to set up payroll/National Insurance or are unwilling to add to their headcount. Visit www.se-apprenticeship.co.uk to find out about your local ATA.
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How much does an apprentice get paid?
It is the employer's responsibility to pay the wages for an apprentice. An apprentice is working towards the skills and knowledge of a particular role and there are national wage levels set to reflect this.
The National Minimum wage levels vary according to the age of the apprentice:
- 16-18 years: £2.60 per hour
- 19-20 years: £4.98 per hour
- 21+ years: £6.08 per hour
Employers can pay more than the minimum and many do!
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Training and Funding
Every apprenticeship must have a training provider who works with the employer and apprentice and delivers the training modules and assessment.
There is funding available for the training element of apprenticeships, this differs according to the age of the apprenticeships and in some cases the type of apprenticeship being completed. Funding is given directly to the training provider via the Skills Funding Agency who fully fund 16 to 18 year olds and may be able to partially fund apprentices who are aged 19 and over.
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Useful links
National Apprenticeship Scheme
The National Apprenticeship Scheme has been designed to increase the number and type of Apprenticeship opportunities nationally and offers a wide range of information on apprenticeships for businesses and prospective apprentices.
Visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk for further information.
South East Apprenticeship Company
The South East Apprenticeship Company are the South East's Apprenticeship Training Agency and directly employ and manage apprentices and hire them out to 'host' employers.
Visit www.se-apprenticeship.co.uk for further information
Sussex Council of Training Providers
The Sussex Council of Training Providers represent training organisations that deliver Government funded training programmes.
Visit www.sctp.org.uk for further information.
Skills Funding Agency
The Skills Funding Agency are responsible for funding and regulating adult further education and skills training, including funding for apprenticeship training.
Visit www.skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk for further information.
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Contact us
Contact the Regeneration and Community Services Team on 01424 451337 or email owngrown@hastings.gov.uk.
