Introduction
South Essex College is the contract holder for the NOVA Apprenticeships and
Skills Consortium made up of 16 other key providers across Essex from both the public and
private sectors. It is a provider of Apprenticeship frameworks in its own right and offers a
large number of frameworks as identified below, crossing a variety of industry sectors.
The new Coalition Government has put substantial funds into the Apprenticeship programme
for 2010/11 nationally. At present government emphasis is on supporting 16 - 18 year olds to
gain employment as an Apprentice but there is some funding to support 19 - 24 year olds and 25+
to also commence an Apprenticeship programme.
As a College we are looking for both employers and potential apprentices to make contact with us.
We work closely with the National Apprenticeship Service via the On-line Vacancy Matching System (AV)
to both source and match employer to potential employee.
Why employ an apprentice?
Apprenticeships can make your organization more effective, productive and competitive
by addressing your skills directly.
Apprenticeships enable employers to not only attract new staff but to train up existing
staff to tackle their skill shortages, with many employers finding that training
through Apprenticeships have a positive impact on staff morale, retention and productivity.
And for an apprentice, they do not view their Apprenticeship as just a job but as
a stepping stone to a successful career, so potential employers need not worry about
their enthusiasm and commitment.
What are apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships can make your business more productive and competitive by filling
any immediate skills gaps you may have. Apprenticeships combine on and off site
training and have been designed by employers within your sector to make sure that
they gain the skills and experience necessary to make a positive impact on your
business.
When it comes to staying competitive and developing new talent for your business,
the facts speak for themselves:
- 77% of employers feel that apprentices make their business more competitive
- 76% state that apprentices contribute to increased productivity
- 80% believe that apprentices help reduce staff turnover
- 83% argue that by taking apprentices, they are generating their future workforce
The benefits of taking an apprentice are evident through improved retention of talented
staff, sector specific training to improve both subject skills and essential skills
in literacy and numeracy, improved productivity and increased efficiency. A range
of national employers have recognized the importance of apprenticeships, including
British Gas, BMW and Orange.
Apprentices usually study for a technical certificate (specialist subject knowledge),
a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) as well as improving skills in areas such
as communication and application of number. The time taken to complete the course
depends on your circumstances and can be designed in a way that minimizes the impact
on your business needs.
Who can become an apprentice?
Apprenticeships are open to all age groups over the age of 16, irrespective of background.
Apprenticeships are open to school leavers, experienced staff or people who are
seeking a new career direction. All that is required is that they live in England
and are not currently in full time education.
What apprenticeships are on offer?
What does it cost?
If the apprentice is aged between 16 and 18 the Government fully funds the training
costs of an Apprenticeship programme.
Where the apprentice is 19 or over, employers are expected to make a contribution
towards the cost of training. The contribution does not necessarily have to be a
cash payment to us but can be other contributions that reduce the cost of delivery.
We will meet with you and discuss funding options in detail.
How do I find out more?
If you are interested in finding out how to become an apprentice or take on an apprentice,
please contact the Business Development Team on 01702 220600 or email us – business@southessex.ac.uk