An apprenticeship is a genuine job with an accompanying assessment and skills development programme. It is a way for individuals to warn while they learn gaining valuable skills and knowledge in a specific job role. The apprentice gains this through a wide mix of learning in the workplace, formal off-the-job training and the opportunity to practice new skills in a real work environment. Apprenticeships benefit employers and individuals, and by boosting the skills of the workforce they help to improve economic productivity.
There are various levels of apprenticeships available, from Level 2 – equivalent to 5 GCSE passes – through to Level 7 Degree Apprenticeships – equivalent to a master’s degree. The breadth of apprenticeships today is perhaps why employers with established apprenticeships programmes report that productivity in their workplace improves by 76%, whilst 75% report that apprenticeships improved the quality of their product or service.
Explore the hub for advice on developing Apprenticeship opportunities:
Apprenticeships and what they mean for you as a West London employer
If you are an employer with a payroll over £3 million each year, you will have been paying the Apprenticeship Levy since 6 April 2017. Make the most of it by investing in your own workforce (from entry level Apprenticeships through to MBA Apprenticeships); and/or transfer up to 25% of your unspent levy to small businesses. Get in touch with the West London Business team if you would like support in identifying local businesses to whom you might transfer your levy underspend.
