30,000 people began their Apprenticeships in the South West in the last year – nearly 6000 of them in Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole. As a result, businesses throughout the area are already benefiting from the enormous advantages that taking on apprentices can bring. But the National Apprenticeship Service and the local training providers believe that Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole can do more, which is why they are challenging employers to recruit 100 new apprentices in 100 days.

Cobham is one of the area’s largest private sector employers. According to Gerry Bishop, who oversees the company’s Apprenticeship programme, Apprenticeships are a key component in keeping the business successful and competitive.

“Our group takes on up to 12 apprentices each year. Talent management is part of our business strategy and Apprenticeships are a very good way of ensuring that our skills base is constantly maintained. It is also important to have the fresh approach that young people bring to an organisation.

“In terms of the bottom line, apprentices earn their keep from day one. We get far more back that it costs to train them.”

Small to Medium sized employers are also embracing Apprenticeships. Annie Sinnott, has been running The Old Vicarage Care Home in Sherborne, Dorset for the last 25 years and having discovered Apprenticeships 10 years ago, is now an enthusiast.

“Financially, there is no doubt that Apprenticeships are very beneficial to the business. They are also good because apprentices are well trained, they have well recognised qualifications and they stay with the business.

“Apprenticeships produce confident, competent, loyal employees who can be trusted to take considerable responsibility. I’m very proud of the apprentices I’ve had in the last 10 years and some of my satisfaction comes from seeing them develop – watching their progress is wonderful.”

Designed to develop the specific skills that employers need, Apprenticeships can increase both productivity and competitiveness and have a very positive impact on the ‘bottom line’.

In most cases, the majority of training takes place ‘on the job’ with apprentices spending around one day a week with a local college or training provider. As well as representing a great return on investment, many employers are not aware that in most cases funding is available to help with training costs – 100 per cent if the apprentice is aged 16 to 18.

A new dedicated Employer Services team within the National Apprenticeship Service means that managing the process is even easier, with support being provided from first enquiry to completion. “Our job is to ensure that everything goes smoothly so that businesses of every size and description maximise the benefits that Apprenticeships bring,” said Rob Sly, Employer Services Director for the National Apprenticeship Service in the South West. “We understand that employers are very busy people who need to see results when they try something new or different. That is why we work hard to make that happen.”

Apprentices gain a mix of theoretical and practical skills, which make them valued employees. They also tend to be loyal, with the majority of apprentices staying with their employers after they have completed the Apprenticeship programme. Training providers provide practical support and guidance throughout - agreeing a training plan with the apprentice and managing training and evaluation in accordance with national quality standards. Employers in Dorset also have access to high quality training providers, with Apprenticeship success rates in Dorset being one of the highest in the country at 80%.

A recent You Gov survey, commissioned by the National Apprenticeship Service, revealed that 80 per cent of people in the South West are more likely to use a business if it offers Apprenticeships to young people.

For further information and to get involved in the 100 in 100 campaign visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 600.

Factfile

• Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability and the industry sector.

• 100% funding is available to pay for the training costs of apprentices aged 16-18.

• The National Apprenticeship Service runs a free online vacancy matching service

• There are now more than 190 Apprenticeships available in 80 different industries. There are three levels of Apprenticeship available for those aged 16 and over:

1. Apprenticeships (equivalent to five good GCSE passes)

• Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2, Key Skills or BTEC.

2. Advanced Apprenticeships (equivalent to two A-level passes)

• Advanced apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as NVQ Level 3, Key Skills or BTEC.

3. Higher Apprenticeships

• Higher Apprenticeships work towards work-based learning qualifications such as NVQ Level 4 and, in some cases, a Foundation degree.

• For more information, visit apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 600