Apprenticeships: A growing trend
The financial burden on local companies has been high in recent months and many have had to tighten purse strings with respect to employing new staff. But in reality there couldn’t be a better time to invest.
Apprenticeships are increasingly popular and are designed with employers in mind. For students, they’re a fantastic way to start or further their careers. Colchester Institute apprenticeship programmes offer people an opportunity to do just that! They develop both practical skills and knowledge in the workplace and at College, therefore benefiting the individual and the business. The student will also be rewarded with a nationally recognised qualification.
A recent survey commissioned by the Learning Skills Council (LSC) found that businesses value apprenticeships as they help to improve performance and productivity. The survey also revealed that 77 per cent believe apprentices make for a more competitive workforce, while 83 per cent were confident the scheme would provide the skilled workers needed for the future.
The Government is currently behind a massive campaign to achieve 400,000 apprentices in the workplace by 2020, and the public sector have vowed to ensure 21,000 new apprenticeship positions become available in the near future. This has most recently been pushed by the famous Lord Alan Sugar. Colchester Institute is supporting this target by recently hiring apprentices within its 1,000 strong work-force.
Student Case Study
Leanne Matthews, 18, is currently on the Plumbing NVQ Level 3 Apprenticeship programme. Leanne enjoyed work experience in a plumbing company while in year 10 at school and since decided to embark on a career in that particular trade. After hearing positive things about Colchester Institute, Leanne joined the apprenticeship scheme. She works four days a week at Louise Anthony Ltd, and goes into College for one day.
Leanne says: ‘‘Being on-site has really helped me because you get to see everything first hand. However, in College everyone has different experiences and knowledge and so we all help and ask each other questions.’’
Leanne aims to complete the level 3 course this year and also hopes to gain Gas Safe registration. Once qualified, she aims to have her own company in which to utilise her skills and pass on her knowledge.
Employer Case Study
David Holness, Managing Director of Holness Construction, understands the importance of hiring apprentices. Established in 2003 and specialising in both carpentry and purpose-made joinery, they currently employ an apprentice from Colchester Institute. He says: ‘‘An apprentice is the future of the company – therefore it’s never been more important to ensure we have highly skilled staff.
‘‘It’s essential they receive the correct training before going off to a building site. Therefore, the apprentices will spend time learning skills in joinery first and then will progress.’’
David has found the support from Colchester Institute to be of utmost importance when taking on an apprentice. He says: ‘‘The College staff are always there should we need them and will send advisors out to follow things up. This is most important when taking on an apprentice.’’
Employers will also be interested to know that all College training is free if students are under 19 years of age, and the only cost is for the apprentice’s wage of £95 per week.
To celebrate the talents and skills of apprentices, National Apprenticeship Week Monday 1st February to Friday 5th February 2010.
If you are interested in recruiting an apprentice for your business or would like to find out more information about becoming an apprentice then please call (01206) 712242 or visit www.colchester.ac.uk.
Apprenticeship fact box
• Colchester Institute currently has 383 students on apprenticeship programmes, employed by 250 local companies
• A variety of apprenticeship courses are offered within eight subject areas
• The Learning and Skills council financially support the apprentice’s training
• Colchester Institute staff are on hand to offer help in finding a placement
• The apprenticeship programmes are offered to those aged 16 or over
• Colchester Institute offers state-of-the-art-facilities for the delivery many of the apprenticeship programmes
