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Learn Plus Us has been working alongside individuals and employers alike for over 10 years. During this time, we’ve learnt a thing or two about apprenticeship delivery and the benefits of this unique kind of programme.

Explore our range of apprenticeships and diplomas here.

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are work-based learning programmes, typically lasting between 1 and 5 years. They are delivered at Level 2 all the way through to Level 7 – the equivalent of a post-graduate degree. The length of programme will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of the chosen apprenticeship standard, typically, a level 3 apprenticeship will last between 12 and 24 months.

What makes apprenticeships particularly exciting is that they require participants to be in a practical work placement whilst they learn. This means that they will always be earning a wage whilst gaining their qualifications. Apprentices have the unique advantage of working in their chosen field; something that usually won’t happen if you choose to go to college or university.

Why do apprenticeships work?

Apprenticeships work because they have a mutual benefit to participants and employers alike. The apprentice becomes familiar with the sector they are working in and receives one to one support from the industry experts they work alongside. Apprentices will also have mentors in the workplace. These skilled individuals, as well as their colleagues, help to ensure they receive the support needed to achieve the knowledge, skills and behaviour requirements to complete their apprenticeship successfully. Apprentices are not alone during their learning journey; they also have dedicated tutors and support staff on-hand to keep them on track. They will also receive mandatory off-the-job training time to guarantee they have the time to complete their studies.

Employers can tailor training to suit the needs of their businesses and they can future-proof their workforce by ensuring staff are receiving high quality, up-to-date training. Workplaces that invest in up-skilling or re-skilling their staff have greater staff retention and a happier and more productive workforce.

Lastly, the great news is if your business is turning over less than £3 million pa then the apprenticeship training you offer will attract 95% government funding. This means you will only pay 5% towards the cost, and even better still you can take advantage of the levy transfer scheme; a government initiative to help larger companies share unused apprenticeship funding with smaller companies. Large employers that pay the apprenticeship levy can choose to transfer up to 25% of their levy funds each year to other businesses, to pay for their apprenticeship training and assessment. Using the levy transfer means training will be fully funded and there is no cost to you – so it’s a win, win!

Apprenticeships are available from the age of 16 with no upper limit. They are an all-age programme of knowledge, skills and behaviours development which are ideal for new entrants to your chosen sector. They are also great for exiting employees who need to up-skill because of career progression or significant modernisation through technology and the Green agenda.

What are the 6 main benefits of apprenticeships?

1. Earn whilst you learn

Apprentices are employed and receive a wage like any other employee. This means there is no student debt at the end of the programme and they will be being paid alongside completing their studies.

2. Receives the same benefits as any other employee

Apprentices are entitled to pension contribution, holiday and sick pay, as well as any other benefits that their employer offers.

3. No student debt

Unlike university, apprentices won’t be left with student debt to pay off. Apprenticeships are funded by the government and the employer.

4. Receive one to one support from industry experts

Learning on and off-the-job means you are surrounded by industry experts; you also have your expert apprenticeship Tutors to go to for support and guidance.

5. Progress in your career quicker

Apprentices often progress in their careers more quickly because they are already working in their chosen field. Many employers want to up-skill their staff to offer them more responsibility.

6. Entitled to student discount

Apprentices are entitled to apply for the NUS Apprentice Extra discount card. This gives apprentices access to hundreds of discounts both in-store and online.

We recently interviewed Childcare apprentice, Jess, to learn about her experience of taking on a Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship with Learn Plus Us. Watch her full interview here.

How can we help?

We are a specialist training provider who have been offering fulfilling apprenticeships in England for over 10 years. We are delighted to now be offering apprenticeships across 5 exciting sectors; Business Services, Hospitality, Childcare and Youth Work, Housing and Property and Hairdressing and Beauty.

We also offer free recruitment services to business partners with apprenticeship vacancies, and have helped hundreds of individuals to start their careers. Get in touch to find out more about our range of apprenticeships: training@learnplusus.co.uk