Work-based Learning
Helping an individual learn whilst they work in your business is a great way to develop a motivated, skilled, and qualified employee. For example, apprenticeships offer real job experience whilst a person studies for a formal qualification. You can adapt these training programmes to meet the needs of your organisation and fill gaps within your workforce skillset. Managing students also offers professional development for existing employees.
Apprenticeships
Offering apprenticeships is an effective way for any organisation to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. Those starting an apprenticeship are aged 16 or older. They will also be studying at a local college or training company for
off-the-job training and are usually released for one day a week to complete this. There are minimum wage requirements for apprentices. On completing their apprenticeship an individual is competent to undertake the occupation they have trained for. They could also move to a more senior apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships take a minimum of twelve months to complete. The overall time will vary depending on the level of apprenticeship and an individual’s prior learning and experience:
- Intermediate apprenticeships (up to three years)
- Advanced apprenticeships (up to four years)
- Higher (up to four years) and degree apprenticeships (up to six years)
Headline benefits
- Fresh perspectives
- Support your local community
- Build partnerships
- Staff development
- New talent
Your commitment
- Delivery time: Ongoing
- Equipment and/or facilities
- Liaison with education institution
- Substantial preparation time
- Supervision and line management
Visit apprenticeships.gov.uk for more information.
Supported Internships
Supported internships are a structured, work-based programme for 16–24 year olds with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Interns spend the majority of their time at the workplace, undertaking a placement that lasts between six months and a year. Alongside their time with the employer, each intern also completes a study programme at their school or college, which includes studying English and maths. A dedicated member of staff at the school or college works with employers to support the internship process.
Headline benefits
- Support your local community
- Build partnerships
- Staff development
- Fresh perspectives
Your commitment
- Delivery time: Ongoing
- Equipment and/or facilities
- Liaison with education institution
- Substantial preparation time
- Supervision and line management Further information
Visit .gov website for more information.
Employment Support Programmes
The Government has introduced several schemes to provide help and training to young people and adults looking for work, who may not have a set of formal qualifications, may have been through alternative education routes or who may be facing other barriers to the workplace. They all benefit from employer involvement, by offering either work experience or providing advice and guidance.
Headline benefits
- Support your local community
- Build partnerships
- Staff development
- New talent
Your commitment
- Delivery time: Ongoing
- Equipment and/or facilities
- Liaison with education institution
- Substantial preparation time
- Supervision and line management
Visit education.gov.uk for more information.
Upskilling your Workforce
Opportunities to upskill or reskill across your workforce are offered through a wide range of models – from developing basic maths, English and digital skills, through short courses for technical upskilling (for example, Skills Bootcamps), to longer courses leading to formal qualifications.
A wide range of organisations work with employers on these opportunities – from professional bodies and trade associations, to colleges, universities and training providers. Specific programmes are designed to strengthen higher technical education, including through Higher Technical Qualifications. Institutions working in this area include Institutes of Technology (IoTs), which are collaborations between existing further education colleges, universities, and leading employers. Some of the range of government programmes offer financial incentives. There are also free resources, such as the Skills Builder Universal Framework, that you could build into your own recruitment and training to help develop your staff.
Headline benefits
- Build partnerships
- Staff development
Your commitment
- Delivery time: Ongoing
- Liaison with education institution
- Supervision and line management
Find more information here:
find-employer-schemes.education.gov.uk
institutesoftechnology.org.uk
skillsbuilder.org/universal-framework
Developed in partnership with:
