EMPLOYERS’ GUIDE TO APPRENTICESHIPS
CONTENTS
Welcome
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What is an apprentice?
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Apprenticeship training we offer 6 Work with us
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Apprenticeship Levy
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Recruitment process
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WELCOME At NETA we pride ourselves on building transformational partnerships not transactional relationships with all our employers, supporting the Tees Valley and beyond to develop the skills of its workforce. Apprenticeships rely on a four-way partnership between apprentice, employer, training provider and end point assessment organisation.
We work with a number of employers in the Tees Valley (BAE Systems, Atlantic Projects are just two examples), not only in the provision of learning and development for individuals new to the workplace, but also to fulfil the aspirations of existing employees, which helps to improve business performance and stimulate local business growth.
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WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP? Apprenticeships are available for all ages. It is a programme of learning specific to the apprentice’s needs, enabling them to gain knowledge and develop skills, behaviours, attitudes, and experience that lead to a successful career through a mixture of on and off-the-job training relevant to their chosen occupation.
CAN APPRENTICESHIPS BE USED TO UPSKILL CURRENT STAFF?
As well as being ideal for recruiting new team members, apprenticeships also offer a cost-effective way to upskill current employees and bridge any skills gap that you may have. The benefits of upskilling existing employees include: • Tailored skillsets • Enhanced skills, knowledge, behaviours and attitudes • Greater job satisfaction
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• Improved staff retention • Investment in the future • Improved productivity • A positive return on investment and more.
HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO PAY MY APPRENTICE?
Apprentices are entitled to the Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage. Please visit the Government minimum wage website for the current rate of pay: www.gov.uk/nationalminimum-wage. Apprentices are entitled to a minimum 20 days annual leave a year excluding bank holidays.
GRANTS
Grants may be available, contact 01642 865 557 for further information.
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APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING WE OFFER At NETA we work with more than 500 businesses, so we know what employers are looking for in their new recruits. We can help match you the employer with an apprentice as part of our application, testing and interview processes. Alternatively we encourage people to find their own sponsoring company who would be willing to take them through their apprenticeship. Once a company has been found, our dedicated team will set up a training plan which will be in line with both the company’s and the external awarding body’s requirements and in line with the apprenticeship standard. APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING WE OFFER INCLUDES: Level 3: • Maintenance and operations engineering technician: in electrical, mechanical, instrumentation and process operator • Pipefitting • Welding • Rigging • Fabricators Level 2: • Scaffolding • Engineering Operatives
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ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT
HEALTH & SAFETY
If your apprentice does not hold GCSEs in maths and English (and ICT where required) they will have to complete functional skills qualifications as part of their apprenticeship.
Health and safety training must be provided as part of the induction training for apprentices which should be comprehensive.
Functional Skills are the English, maths and ICT skills that individuals need to operate confidently, effectively and independently: • In education • In life • In work
INSURANCE Public and Employer Liability cover must be held and renewed annually. A current certificate should be displayed at all times and your allocated assessor will need to confirm renewal details.
Minimum GCSE requirements vary for level 2 and level 3 apprenticeships, please check the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website for guidance.
SAFETY POLICY
SAFEGUARDING AND PREVENT
RISK ASSESSMENT
Safeguarding and prevent are at the forefront of NETA’s agenda.
All employers must carry out risk assessments on all areas in the workplace. This must include an assessment on the risk of fire, manual handling, hazardous materials and processes.
We promote Fundamental British Values and encourage our learners and employers to work with us to be vigilant to radicalisation and extremist behaviours. With this in mind we have a single point of contact (SPOC) and disclosure process for safeguarding and prevent which is confirmed during enrolment and referred to at key review points as well as being part of teaching and learning.
All companies which employ five or more people including apprentices and part-time staff must have a written Health & Safety Policy.
ACCIDENT PROCEDURES All premises must have adequate first aid facilities including an accident book, first aid, a nominated person, or qualified first aider, depending on the size of the organisation. NETA must be contacted in the event of an accident involving an apprentice.
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WORK WITH US At NETA we offer more than apprenticeships to support your business. We offer a wide range of services including, bespoke training, recruitment services and more.
Our aim is to develop transformational partnerships, not transactional relationships, across the Tees Valley and are currently working with some of the most innovative organisations across the region and nationally.
Our Business Development Team can help you unlock business potential working with you to provide solutions aligned to your ambition. Some of the companies we work with:
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APPRENTICESHIP LEVY WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PAY?
Employers with a wage bill of £3million or more are required to pay into the apprenticeship levy from May 2017. All employers receive an offset allowance of £15,000. Example: Employer with a £3,500,000 wage bill. Levy sum: 0.5% of £3,500,000 = £17,500 Allowance: - £15,000 Annual payment: £2,750
HOW WILL THE LEVY BE PAID AND ACCESSED?
The apprenticeship levy will be paid through the PAYE system on a monthly basis alongside income tax and national insurance. These funds are then transferred into the Digital Apprenticeship Service account where these funds are turned into digital vouchers. These digital vouchers can then be used to pay for apprenticeship training.
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CAN THE LEVY BE USED TO FUND APPRENTICESHIPS FOR CURRENT STAFF?
As well as recruiting new employees, the levy can be used to up-skill current employees who meet the eligibility criteria.
WHAT IF I AM NOT A LEVY PAYER?
If you’re looking to hire an apprentice you will need to reserve the funds on the Digital Apprenticeship Service website. We can take you through this step by step or complete the process for you if required. Companies with 49 employees or less or those employing apprentices between the ages of 16-18 could also be eligible for additional funding.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS HOW CAN WE HELP?
We can support with recruitment and develop a job description and person specification, advertise your vacancy, shortlist, manage the process, and arrange and support interviews. Contact our Business Development Team for more information on 01642 865 557.
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Pennine Avenue, Portrack Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 2RJ Tel: 01642 616 936 Email: apply@neta.co.uk
