Apprenticeships allow you to bring new talent through the ranks and train your team with the skills they need to help your business succeed. Apprenticeships allow people to earn whilst they learn and train for a career, gaining structured qualifications whilst acquiring valuable work experience.

There’s a stereotype that apprenticeships are only obtainable in manual trades like construction or hairdressing, but in reality apprenticeships are now available in almost any job role – over 1,200 to be exact. From social media marketing to business administration and beauty therapy, you will find apprentices virtually anywhere. From multi-national organisations to small local companies and everywhere in-between. Already, more than 130,000 employers offer apprenticeships.

What are the benefits for my business?

Taking on an apprentice has a huge range of benefits for your business. But don’t just take our word for it, as the facts speak for themselves.

• 80% of companies who invest in apprentices have reported a significant increase in employee retention.
• 77% of employers believe apprenticeships make them more competitive.
• 76% of those employers who employ apprentices agree they make their workplace more productive.
• 81% of consumers favour using a company which takes on apprentices.
• 92% of employers who employ apprentices believe that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.
• 83% of employers who employ apprentices rely on their apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future.

How does it work?

There are three types of Apprenticeships:

1. Intermediate Level Apprenticeship
Apprentices work towards nationally recognised vocational qualifications at Level 2 and, in some cases, a relevant knowledge based qualification such as a BTEC. They also improve their skills in Maths, English and ICT at the appropriate level. These provide the skills apprentices need for their chosen career and allow entry to an Advanced Level Apprenticeship.

2. Advanced Level Apprenticeship
Advanced apprentices work towards nationally recognised vocational qualifications at Level 3 and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge based certificate such as a BTEC. They also improve their skills in Maths, English and ICT at the appropriate level. To start this programme, apprentices should ideally have five GCSEs (grade C or above) or have completed an Intermediate Level Apprenticeship.

3. Higher Apprenticeship
Higher level apprentices work towards nationally recognised qualifications at Levels 4 or 5 and, in some cases, a knowledge based qualification such as a Foundation Degree.

How do I find out more?

For further information on apprenticeships available in Lancashire contact the Lancashire Work-Based Learning Executive Forum (LWBLEF) on 01254 306831/ admin@lancsforum.co.uk or go to: www.lancsforum.co.uk/apprenticeships/.

Also take a look at the SORTED information as this details providers and colleges who deliver apprenticeships in Lancashire and their offer.  http://www.lancsforum.co.uk/sorted/