Apprentices have to be following formally-recognised qualifications – known as apprenticeship standards or frameworks – to be eligible for funding terms; this can be a complex process. You need them to be eligible so that you can benefit from Government funding to support training within your business, or to recover your apprenticeship Levy.

For many employers, this can be a difficult undertaking and many simply give up and miss out on the fantastic benefits that apprenticeships can bring, rather than try to navigate the administrative side of recruiting and employing an apprentice

This is where Business Plus can help. We are here to remove the red tape and make the process of taking on an apprentice straightforward, rewarding and hugely positive for all involved.

• An initial consultation, working to understand your business, structure, ethos and values.
• Completing a review of your existing workforce, identifying opportunities for development.
• Expert advice regarding Apprenticeship programmes and frameworks to suit your business needs.
• Extensive financial breakdowns, identifying funding streams available and the overall cost for an Apprentice.
• Company-specific training plan and ongoing recruitment advice to source new talent or support existing employees.
• Recruitment tools to manage the process, including exposure through Fareham College channels and the National Apprenticeship Service.
• Solutions to manage the application process, meeting, screening and shortlisting applicants on your behalf so the candidates we put forward are of high quality and people you will really want to meet
• Support you to manage the recruitment process in-house with your HR Team.

The way in which apprenticeship training is delivered depends on the industry in which you operate, and the particular apprenticeship standard or framework your apprentice is completing. It could involve an initial period of basic training at one of Fareham College’s three campuses, block release or day release, where the apprentice comes to college each week to complete the theoretical elements of their apprenticeship.

Throughout this process, we will:

• Plan the training that you need
• Design an effective delivery model
• Ensure the training is of the highest quality
• Manage teaching and learning to a fixed schedule
• Monitor and report regularly on progress

This includes English and Maths. Depending on the level of Apprenticeship, it may be a requirement that all apprentices must have GCSEs qualifications in English and Maths above a grade 3/C. Apprentices who do not possess these qualifications on the commencement of their apprenticeship will receive support to help them achieve the required results before the end of their training.

As their employer, you, or the mentor you select to be responsible for your apprentice, will be a vital part of your apprentice’s training programme, but you will be guided through the process every step of the way.

Before the apprentice joins your business, we will sit down with you and agree on a training schedule, so you know what will happen when and what skills the training will provide your business. You will receive a Manager’s Guide in advance, which sets out in detail the specifics of the particular apprenticeship programme and your responsibilities as a manager in providing the support they will need to achieve their best. Apprentices will complete an electronic portfolio, so you can both keep track of progress in real-time.

You will have a single point of contact, and you and your apprentice will be visited on a regular basis at your premises to monitor progress, carry out required assessments, iron out any issues and provide extra information or guidance as needed.