Justin Palfrey of the Radmoor Centre at Loughborough College: 
"Having young people working with us provides a larger more dynamic workforce.  It also benefits our staff with their own personal development, as they are shaping the workforce for the future."

Employer Information

A recent business survey in Leicestershire of 750 businesses identified that 30% of firms agreed that skill shortages are having a serious impact on their business.  One of the main skills gaps identified was technical or job specific skills (25%). (Source Leicester Shire Intelligence May 2007).

Introduction

The Young Apprenticeship programme is designed to benefit employers too, by putting their needs at the heart of the drive to close the skills gap through the development of a first class system of vocational and technical learning. The programme enables employers and their organisations to become involved in shaping the workforce of the future, by offering able and motivated pupils the chance to get a taste of real work alongside studying for their GCSEs.  There is no payment required from the employer for this or any contractural agreements.

What is a Young Apprenticeship?
A Young Apprenticeship is a new route for 14-16 year olds, which allows motivated and able young people to study for vocational qualifications not always just in the classroom but in college with training providers, and in the workplace too.

How does it work?
Pupils are based in school and follow core National Curriculum subjects, but two days a week (or equivalent) they also work towards nationally recognised vocational qualifications, attend a work placement and participate in broader enrichment activities and enterprise education to give them an understanding of business in the wider context.

What is expected of the employer?
Employers are required to offer a ‘real' work experience to Young Apprentices.  During the experience the Young Apprentice should develop basic sector specific skills whilst gaining an insight into the workings of a real business and learning about the functions of an organisation. The work experience should allow them to put their work related qualifications into context, whilst making a valuable contribution to your organisation.

What can a Young Apprentice provide?
A Young Apprentice can be a great asset to your company; supporting and assisting your staff.  Before joining your organisation, the school, college or training provider will work with you to design a programme of activities that suit both your needs as well as the needs of the Young Apprentice.

Why should employers get involved?
There are many areas where the employer benefits too:

• Staff Development - Taking part in the Young Apprenticeship Programme not only brings benefit to the Young Apprentice.  Staff involved in mentoring a young person can hope to enjoy increased motivation while at the same time develop their own skills such as time management and motivation of others etc.
  
  
• Recruitment and Retention - By taking on a Young Apprentice, not only will you be contributing to improving the skills of the future workforce but also you will be developing your recruitment and training policies,contributing to improving retention.
  
  
• Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) - Social Responsibility is now a major issue for all companies.  Supporting the Young Apprenticeship Programme will show that your business is committed to engageing with the local community.
  
  
• Promotion and Public Relations - LEBC promotes its programmes and supporting companies through local press and its own publications, thus adding to your local profile.

Taking on a Young Apprentice is a considerable commitment but it is a rewarding commitment. It is an investment in time, skill and knowledge but ultimately, it is an investment in the future of a young person, providing them with a unique opportunity to build their skills and improve their life chances.  A Young Apprentice gains significantly from the experience but it isn't a one sided relationship as the list above demonstrates.

To find out how you or your organisation can get involved in Leicestershire please click here.

For sector specific and general information on the YA programme please visit the websites as featured in 'Related Pages' to the right hand side.