At this time of year many young people will be considering ending their academic studies and entering the world of work.  The opportunities available are many, as an employer it is a great time to consider taking on an apprentice in roles such as dry lining, ceiling fixing, partitions installer, plastering, design, estimating, planning or quantity surveying.

The road to a quality apprenticeship has been published by Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to help employers understand the steps involved in delivering high quality, successful apprenticeships in their businesses.  The document provides links to information that employers can use to help them achieve a quality experience for their apprentices while maximising the benefits for their business.   It will be followed by similar guides for end-point assessment organisations and apprentices.

The government continue to provide incentive grants for employers that take on apprentices:

In England

From 01 June 2021 employers of all sizes in England can apply for extra funding to help them take on new apprentices.  The boost to the apprenticeship incentive scheme was confirmed by the Chancellor in the Budget in March.  Business can apply to claim £3,000 for each new apprentice hired as a new employer from 01 April until 30 September 2021.  The cash incentive is designed to help more employers invest in the skilled workforce they need for the future as part of the government’s Plan for Jobs.

This is in addition to the £1000 available for:

  • aged 16 to 18 years old
  • under 25 with an education, health and care plan or who has been in the care of their local authority.

In Scotland

£5,000 for employers taking on or upskilling a 16 to 24-year old apprentice, and for those aged up to 29 years who are disabled, care leavers and Minority Ethnic.

£3,500 for employers taking on or upskilling an apprentice aged 25 plus.

In Wales

Until 30 September 2021 businesses will be able to claim up to £4,000 for each new apprentice, they hire under the age of 25.

Skills and Training Lead George Swann say:

“Now is the ideal time to recruit the workforce of the future via apprenticeships.  For more information on the options available to employers please see the FIS Apprentice – Guidance for Employers.  If you would like to discuss this please give us a call we will be happy to help”.

Thinking of taking on an apprentice? FIS is here to help

Apprenticeships are key to building the pipeline of skilled workers in the Finishes and Interiors Sector.  With a range of apprenticeships available and funding support from both Central Government, Local Funding and the CITB complex to navigate, FIS can offer FREE specialist one to one support help you to work out your options, recruit candidates and identify training providers who can help you to get started or keep going.  See our Apprenticeships – Guidance for Employers for more information, email Apprentice Help! with your contact details to info@thefis.org or simply call FIS on 0121 707 007