The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 72: Summer 2024 | Page 37

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Embrace apprenticeships in 2024 and help your business grow

Apprenticeships are an ever-growing vital part of businesses right across the country . More than 136,000 workplaces throughout the UK offer apprenticeships in over 80 different industries because they appreciate the benefits that apprentices can bring to their organisations .
Wiltshire College & University Centre is a leading provider of apprenticeships in the South West . We work with hundreds of employers and deliver more than 70 apprenticeship training programmes across a wide range of sectors and skill levels , including in Business , Construction , Engineering , Education , Healthcare and many more .
We have a comprehensive range of business-specific apprenticeships , which you can start at any time and at a level to suit the needs of your organisation . Our business apprenticeships include :
Business Administrator Level 3
• Customer Service Specialist Level 3
• Team Leader Level 3
• Associate Project Manager Level 4
• Operations Manager Level 5
These apprenticeships meet the evolving needs of businesses across industries , offering a tailored approach to skill development and organisational enhancement .
WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP ? Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed to meet the needs of employers and can be delivered in the workplace , at college or in some cases remotely . They lead to nationally recognised qualifications and can be used to train both new and existing employees , with 90 per cent of apprentices staying with their employer after completing an apprenticeship .
Apprenticeships are a proven way of creating a more efficient and skilled workforce . They provide employers with the opportunity to attract new talent , offer progression and develop a motivated , skilled and qualified workforce which helps to improve economic productivity .
Apprenticeships are truly inclusive . They can be undertaken from any age above 16 years , across any sector and allow individuals to study from Levels 2-7 . By harnessing fresh new talent and addressing your skills gaps directly , you can ensure that your organisation has access to the practical skills and qualifications you need now and for the future .
“ Apprenticeships are a proven way of creating a more effective workforce ”
APPRENTICESHIP FUNDING Businesses receive support to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment . The amount you get depends on whether you pay the Apprenticeship Levy or not . You pay the levy if you are an employer with a pay bill over £ 3 million each year .
Smaller organisations with an annual payroll bill of less than £ 3 million per year will need to contribute 5 per cent towards the cost of the apprenticeship for employees aged 22 and over . The Government will cover 100 per cent of the cost for employees aged 16-21 .
Employers could also be eligible for a £ 1,000 payment if they hire an eligible apprentice aged between 16-18 .
Martin Reeves , Director of Business Development at Wiltshire College & University Centre , said : “ The reason an apprenticeship is such a unique opportunity is that you are working , earning and learning all at the same time to become qualified in that specific job role .
“ Because you are learning in the workplace , you are benefitting from the knowledge and skills of colleagues who have years of industry experience , so an apprenticeship can really help to start your career off on a strong footing .
“ Here at Wiltshire College & University Centre , we offer apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors , such as engineering , construction , land-based , healthcare , early years , business , hair and beauty , and many more .
“ Apprenticeships really are for all . You can start one at any age , whether you are just at the beginning of your career journey or if you ’ re an experienced professional looking to upskill or change job roles .”
FIND OUT MORE ... Wiltshire College & University Centre is always looking to work with new employers to help ensure your apprentices receive the best training to meet their future needs .
Our dedicated Apprenticeships Team are on hand to provide all the support needed to help workforces plan their businesses for now and the future .
If you are interested in hiring an apprentice , contact us on 0845 345 2235 or email apprenticeships @ wiltshire . ac . uk
For more information , visit : www . wiltshire . ac . uk / employers / apprenticeshipsfor-businesses
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