This has resulted in some apprentices having their apprenticeships placed on hold, or even withdrawn entirelyThere are a lot of myths surrounding recruitment apprenticeships which can be off-putting for a lot of recruitment agencies considering employing an Apprentice or upskilling their staff.
Below we assess the myths you might be faced with and debunk them once and for all!
Myth: Apprenticeships are expensive.
Reality: This year the Government has introduced the Apprenticeship Levy (TAX) in a bid to bridge the skills gap by raising the number and quality of apprentices in the UK.
The Levy is designed as a “use it or lose it” tax of ½% of a company wage bill. Therefore, there are lots of funds set aside to be used on new apprenticeships and upskill training. If you have a wage bill of £3 million plus per annum then you already have paid funds into the Levy. These funds can only be claimed back on Apprenticeships Schemes.
If you are not a levy payer then the government will fund 90% of any apprenticeship and you will just need to fund 10%. This is outstanding value which will enable you to bring new Apprentices into your company or you could use it to upskill your existing workforce.
Ultimately you get training for virtually free or pre-paid.
Myth: In-house trainers/L&D personnel will be made obsolete
Reality: One of the biggest worries that In-house trainers/L&D personnel have is that their job would become obsolete once they appoint an apprenticeship/training provider. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Apprenticeship/training programs can deliver the company’s own content. The training programs can be delivered in conjunction with their own induction. So simply put the employer is part of the delivery of an apprenticeship and the training provider awards the qualification upon completion of the course.
Myth: Apprenticeships are only for young people
Reality: You are never too old for an apprenticeship. There’s no upper age limit for becoming an apprentice.
One of the most common misc is that the levy or government incentives can only be used on new employees. Existing employee can be upskilled and you claim the price of their training in the same way as apprenticeship schemes.
One of the most common misconceptions is that the levy or government incentives can only be used on new employees. Existing employees can also be upskilled using the same apprenticeship schemes.
Myth: It’s not as good as a college or university course
Reality: Recruitment has lots of great opportunities and can offer a range of qualifications such as the Certificate in Recruitment Practice (Cert PRP) which is very popular and is seen as the standard for recruitment practice in the UK. Some of the higher qualifications can go on to be equivalent to a university degree, so don’t feel like you’re missing out!
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels to the below.
| Job roles | Time stayed | Average salary |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Architect | 7 years and 6 months | £80,669 |
| Machine Operator | 5 years and 8 months | £23,576 |
| Shift Manager | 4 years and 4 months | £27,999 |
| Team Leader and Director | 3 years and 9 months | £21,396, £45,405 |
| Coach | 3 years and 7 months | £36,118 |
| Cashier and Shop Manager | 3 years and 6 months | £23,610, £25,253 |
| Social Care Worker | 3 years and 4 months | £29,804 |
| Cleaner Casual and Chief Executive Officer | 3 years and 3 months | £16,247, £42,673 |
| Office Manager | 3 years and 2 months | £33,025 |
| Chief Marketing Officer | 3 years and 1 month | £46,712 |
Myth: Your Apprentice will be out of the office once a week.
Reality: Firstly, you are required to spend 20% of the duration of the course doing what the government call “off job training”. This could be loaded front end or back end; however you want.
“Off the job training” can be delivered in the place of work so they are at hand for urgent issues, trainers just ensure this training doesn’t involve their normal duties (basically uptraining).
“Off the job training” can take the guise off:
- The teaching of theory for example:
– Lectures,
– Role-playing,
– Simulation exercises,
– Online learning (The British Institute of Recruiters can be delivered via online portal called StudyCourse),
– Manufacturer training - Practical training:
– Shadowing,
– Mentoring,
– Industry visits,
– Attendance events - Learning support and time spent writing assessments/assignments goes toward the 20% “off the job training”
As you have heard from our myth busters, not everything you see or read is the truth and an apprenticeship in recruitment may be the perfect ingredient to mould a star employee of the future.
If you would like more information on an apprenticeship or up training with The British Institute of Recruiters, don’t hesitate to give The British Institute of Recruiters a call on 0871 288 2108 or email aron.myerthall@ior.org.
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