Value Of Apprenticeships

Purpose of Event

A peer group of 4 training providers in the North East, supported by World Class Skills, wanted to gain an insight into current perceptions from employers on the ‘Value of Apprenticeships’.
Peer Group Members
·         BL Hairdressing Training
·         Zodiac Training
·         Tyneside Training Services
·         Accent Training
Aims
Short term aims (Sept 2009 – Mar 2010)
·         Research employers’ views on using Apprenticeships; ‘Market research Employers views on apprenticeships’
·         Improve the quality of communication materials accordingly; and
·         Improve capacity to successfully engage with employers as a result of sharing effective practice and effective staff development.
Long term aims (Mar 2010 – Mar 2011)
·         By developing employer understanding of the value Apprenticeships can bring to a business:
·         Increase the number of employers taking on a new apprentice; and
·         Increase the number of employers using the Apprenticeship model to develop existing staff.
What We Did
On the 3rd March 2010, we organised a staff and employer training event at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland. A total of 55 delegates attended this event.
·         Key Speakers included:
Alan Ferguson (Executive Chairman, Fergusons Transport)
Thornton Tweddle (Apprentice, ADMEC)
Malcolm Armstrong (Chair Tyne & Wear Northumberland, Association of Learning Providers)
 
To view the video from the event click on the You Tube link below:
 
To view the PowerPoint Presentation from the event click on the link below:
 
To view ‘You Know It Adds Up’ campaign marketing materials click on the PDFs below:
 
Impact
·         A large national employer who has not used apprenticeships in the region for some years demonstrating willingness to consider a change of approach as a result of attending this event.
·         Increased understanding of employer needs and barriers in relation to apprenticeships.
·         The formation of an action-focused peer group that plans to continue to work together in the future.
·         The production of a ‘peer placemat’ by World Class Skills posted on the www.excellencegateway.org.uk/wcs
What’s next for us?
·         Further developing the ‘You Know It Adds Up’ campaign to communicate with employers, schools, parents and potential learners.
·         BLHT are developing Business Solutions Workshops to support local employers on areas such as Health & Safety and Employment Law, Effective Marketing and Business Planning.
Click on the link below to find out more on events in your area:
http://iag.blhairdressing.co.uk/content/employer-responsive/ 
Additional information on Apprenticeships can be found on: Employers and Apprenticeships PDF