SUMMER 2015 APPRENTICESHIPS YOURE HIRED! A whirlwind tour of apprenticeships APPRENTICESHIPS Many small firms realise the value of apprentices; 10 per cent of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSBs) membership has taken on at least one in the past 12 months. However, research commissioned by the Federation also shows that many companies want a less bureaucratic system. Its report on apprenticeships looks at changes that could be made to the current system to create a high-quality programme that puts employers at its centre. The government is in the process of reforming the apprenticeship programme to make it more employer-led. The Apprenticeship Grant for Employers allows businesses to access up to 1,500, as well as training costs It is now providing grants in England to firms looking to recruit 16- to 24-year-olds into an apprenticeship, demonstrating that the government has listened to the needs of small businesses. The Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) allows companies to access up to 1,500, as well as training costs. These payments will be made after the young person has completed week 13 of their apprenticeship. However, there still needs to be a change in the publics attitude towards apprenticeships, so that they are recognised as a valuable alternative to university and full-time further education, and a viable path to a successful career. They need to be as desirable in small firms as they are in larger organisations. There were two main issues that emerged from the FSBs research. First, apprenticeships have an image problem. The current programme has been in a state of constant change for around 30 years, undermining the brand image. FIND OUT MORE The UK governments website offers detailed advice and information on apprenticeships. The report commissioned by the Federation of Small Businesses is available to read here. Second, the programme has been stretched to include functional skills, which help make up for failings in the education system. This undermines the confidence of businesses in apprenticeships and more significantly can create a poor image of apprenticeships in the eyes of teachers, school-leavers and parents. This is compounded by the fact that there is no clear definition of what now constitutes an apprenticeship. The FSB is working closely with government to make it easier for businesses to employ apprentices and to access funding. Credits: Karen Woolley Image: Robert Kneschke / Shutterstock