TRAINING ps worth it?


ptions available to you as a retailer and/or flooring business owner ng the new generation.


by competitors, and, if you publicise your new positions, can be a great PR boost for the business.


And what about apprenticeships? There are many benefits to apprenticeships for employers. In Qube Learning’s recent survey, 81% of apprentice employers said that apprentices make their businesses more productive. Through government incentives available, apprenticeships can reduce training and recruitment costs whilst also developing a skilled, motivated and qualified workforce. And there is a direct correlation between a motivated workforce and improved customer satisfaction.


Apprenticeships are designed to enhance an individual’s level of confidence by developing their practical skills. To ensure that apprentices qualify fully equipped for their chosen field when completed, apprenticeships each have a set of ‘Standards’. Throughout the apprenticeship, candidates monitor their learning against these Standards and must show that they have full understanding of them as part of the End-Point Assessment.


In-line with government recovery plans following COVID-19, employers taking on an apprentice aged 16-18 (or aged under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan) will be given a £3,000 incentive (£1,000 as part of a previous incentive, and £2,000 under the new plan). If taking on someone aged 19-24, employers will be given a £2,000 incentive under the new government plan; and if aged 25+ will be given a £1,500 incentive.


“Traineeships, apprenticeships and the Kickstart Scheme can be used to build long-term specialist skills and retain staff,


renew learning and enthusiasm and develop a stronger


workforce for British businesses.”


These payments will be made directly to employers in two equal instalments, when the apprentice reaches their first 90 days and then on day 365 of their programme. To be eligible to receive these particular incentives, apprentices must not have been employed by the employer within the six months prior to the apprenticeship contract start date.


Importantly though, apprenticeships are not just for new staff. They can also be an important tool for upskilling existing employees. Further training for your staff will give


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them knowledge and capabilities required to work more efficiently. These skills may come from an apprenticeship that is not necessarily linked directly with the position. For example, a Level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship is relevant across multiple sectors and can help develop natural born leaders, helping to secure your business’ future through good succession planning.


Getting involved in the Kickstart Scheme


If neither traineeships or apprenticeships sound right for your business, then the Kickstart Scheme might be right for you. Funding can cover 100% of the national minimum wage or national living wage, depending on the age of the participant, for 25 hours per week for a total of six months.


Funding can also be used to cover associated employer National Insurance contributions or employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.


The Kickstart Scheme launched on 2nd September 2020,


to provide funding to employers to create job placements which can start anytime until December 2021 across a whole multitude of sectors including retail, care, logistics, hospitality and business to name just a few. It is aimed at 16 to 24-year- olds on Universal Credit and businesses of all sizes can apply for funding, although there is one caveat.


To qualify, employers must make an application for a minimum of 30 job placements - which for many smaller businesses might not be possible. In this case, smaller organisations can team up through a Kickstart Gateway where collectively 30 placements can be provided. Local authorities, charities, trade bodies and training providers, like Qube Learning, can help facilitate this collective action.


For employers, this is an excellent opportunity to not only grow business but also invest in young people, providing them with a path to grow their careers when many are struggling amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. By working with a Gateway, you’ll also receive additional support that guides you through the Kickstart process and, through Jobcentre Plus, helps you find suitable applicants for the job placements you offer.


I know that the different options for government-backed training can seem confusing but I’d urge business owners not to be put off by this. Working with a training provider can often help clarify which option is best suited to your business needs whilst also opening doors for many to enter the job market.


Traineeships, apprenticeships and the Kickstart Scheme can be used to build long-term specialist skills and retain staff, renew learning and enthusiasm and develop a stronger workforce for British businesses.


For more information on any of the schemes talked about here, contact Qube Learning via tellmemore@qube-learning.co.uk


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