Hiring an apprentice is easy and could benefit your business – that is the message from Dorset Council.
The council is encouraging businesses to consider offering apprenticeships and reminding them that financial help is available.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “Employing an apprentice is easy and makes good business sense.
“Financial help is available for businesses and around 90 per cent of apprentices stay in that employment after the scheme ends, which shows what a great contribution they make. It is a great way of growing the talent your business needs – a win-win situation!
“I’d encourage all small businesses to explore how an apprentice could fit into their organisation.”
Claudia Moore of Weymouth BID said: “In today’s work environment, skills shortages and recruitment difficulties can be a real threat to the competitiveness of businesses.
“Apprenticeships ensure that employees have practical and up to date skills in order to improve efficiency, productivity, competitiveness and staff retention. Apprentices can also bring a new perspective and fresh talent into your business.”
Businesses can get help to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment. Dorset Council has apprenticeship levy funds and can transfer part of these to other employers to help boost the number of high-quality apprenticeships across Dorset.
However, funds cannot be transferred for apprenticeships that have already started. For more information email: apprenticeships@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Government research has shown that 96 per cent of small and medium-sized apprentices have reported at least one business benefit from hiring an apprentice. (Source Department for Education).
A total of 43 people have successfully completed apprenticeships at Dorset Council since April 2019. Most were existing employees developing new skills. Dorset Council currently has 117 apprentices and is aiming to recruit more.
John Sellgren, Dorset Council Executive Director for Place and Apprenticeship Chairman Board, said: “One of the first things which Dorset Council has done as a new organisation is to agree a People Strategy. As part of its commitment develop the workforce it is making a priority of apprenticeships. This is a cornerstone of the council’s commitment to become an employer of choice. It has established an Apprenticeship Board to drive investment in young people and employees now and into the future. Apprenticeships are for all and I would encourage anyone who finds themselves at a crossroad in their career to consider an apprenticeship.”
More information is available: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/industries
