4 minute read
Future investment
Invest in the future and develop your workforce with apprenticeships...
Sunderland College has helped hundreds of employers across Wearside invest in the future by transforming their workforces through apprenticeships. With constant changes across all industries, it is important businesses continue to develop their staff, whether they are seeking new talent or upskilling existing employees. We caught up with the team at Sunderland College to learn more about their apprenticeship schemes and the wealth of benefits they bring to the city…
Why should I employ an apprentice?
Apprenticeships bring together practical and technical learning with invaluable workplace experience with apprentices studying and working towards a nationally recognised qualification. They are a cost-effective way of attracting and developing new talent, giving employers the opportunity to tailor their training to
meet current and future needs. Adding value to businesses as soon as they start, apprentices bring energy and a desire to learn which can have a positive impact on existing staff. Apprentices also bring fresh new ideas as they will be up to date with the latest techniques and technology - increasing competitiveness, innovation and productivity.
Upskilling your existing workforce…
Apprenticeships aren’t all just about recruitment! They are available to people of all ages as well as at a range of levels, meaning organisations can also motivate, develop and retain their existing employees which will further strengthen their workforce and help take the business forward.
How can Sunderland College help your business?
Our friends at the College help deliver high quality training and development opportunities to local and regional businesses across several industries and roles; from manufacturing, engineering and construction, to business management, HR and IT. Expanding the offer, Sunderland College - as part of Education Partnership North East - have also teamed up with New Results to launch a sales apprenticeship, allowing employers to enhance the skills of their sales teams. Programmes are shaped by business and industry leaders, and they’re delivered by sector experts that offer flexibility. It also means that these programmes can be tailored to individual needs and specific requirements. The College also works with employers to recruit the best candidates for apprenticeship roles, offering ongoing support such as providing assessors to assist learners in completing their qualification and evaluate their competence in the workplace.
Engineering a brighter future…
Recently, global manufacturer Grundfos reached out to the College for support in hiring six apprentices. The roles were advertised externally and to engineering students, generating over 100 applications. The recruitment process involved interviews, theory assessment and practical assessments. The successful applicants, two of which were talented engineering students, are now training for a range of engineering roles including fitters, mechanical, electrical and quality.
Is there funding available for apprenticeships?
Businesses can benefit from various funding to assist with the employment and development of an apprentice - the amount available is determined by an apprenticeship levy, which applies to businesses with an annual wage bill over £3 million. For those under the threshold, the Government will fund up to 100% of apprenticeship course fees for all new starts, depending on the size of the company. A long-time advocate of apprenticeships, Grundfos, received funding to meet the training costs of three its apprentices courtesy of Sunderland City Council’s Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme as it looks to ensure a steady flow of talent for years to come.
Graham Moore, Operations Controlling Partner at Grundfos, said:
"Taking on an apprentice is a big investment and is often quite off putting for many businesses, especially SMEs. “Not only has the funding alleviated the financial commitment of taking on some of the apprentices, but it also means we’ll be in a better position to further extend our programme next year and bring more young talent into the business.” Last year, additional incentive payments were introduced which could see employers receive up to £2,000 for each new apprentice they hire before 31 March. Peter Robertson, Head of Business Development at Education Partnership North East, added: "We work with hundreds of employers helping them recruit apprentices into their businesses and I've seen, on many occasions, how fantastic those apprentices have been. "Apprentices offer a great way to grow a business: they offer enthusiasm and new skills, and support organisations through periods of transition with fresh thinking and ideas. "We can help take away some of the confusion about apprenticeships, offering advice and guidance from understanding the apprenticeship levy to explaining off the job training, as well as assist with recruitment and provide ongoing support throughout the programme.” So, if full-time study is not for you, an apprenticeship with Sunderland College can help you get started in your new career.
