There are many advantages to your business in employing an Apprentice. Here are a few:

• An Apprenticeship is an effective way of tackling skill shortages.
• Apprentices will be trained to do a job to agreed standards,  which have been set by your  representative trade body - the  Sector Skills Council. So they  will gain a qualification that  shows that they have the skills  necessary to do the job, unlike  those who follow a formal  academic route.
• The training that they receive away from work is state-of­the-art so, as technology moves on, you can be assured that new developments will be incorporated within the programme of study.
• They will learn through a unique combination of on-the-job training and attending either a college or training provider. Many Apprentices find this to be invaluable in providing experience and generally a more effective way of learning.
• They gain recognised  qualifications - NVQs, Key Skills  and a Technical Certificate.
• Apprentices are usually more motivated, because they can see that you are investing in their training and because you take an active part in their development.
• They can go on to gain a higher qualification, such as HNC, HND, Foundation Degree or full Degree, by studying on a part-time basis while continuing to work for you.