26 February 2009
This week is National Apprentice week and Farnborough College of Technology has joined the campaign to reach local employers with the Apprenticeship message. The College campus at Aldershot which specialises in Construction courses has a good number of students who are currently working through the scheme. George Greer Head of Construction said “the students attend College one day a week and we are able to enhance their learning with technical teaching in their chosen field. Apprentices help to enhance businesses which in turn enhance the skills level for the UK”
More and more employers view Apprenticeships as the best way to train their workforce. This is supported by a recent survey by the Learning Skills council which showed 92% of employers found that Apprenticeships created more motivated employees.
Construction has traditionally had a high proportion of its workforce trained on the job through Apprenticeships however many companies are now concerned about committing to the cost of taking on Apprentices. Aldershot College, through its own research found that most small businesses were not aware of the grants available to help with the cost of training an apprentice or how to apply for them.
Aldershot College recently held a presentation evening for construction employers to explain how trades like carpentry and brickwork can claim a minimum of £5,700 for training an apprentice. Amanda Ash from the college explained “We contacted all the employers we currently work with and local companies to invite them to find out what employing an apprentice involved and the grants available. Everyone who attended said they found it very useful and it was great to be able to go along and have all the details explained rather than having to find out on their own.”
Farnborough College currently has 280 Apprenticeships studying for various trades such as Hairdressing, Hospitality, Financial Services, Engineering and more…. If you are interested in taking on an Apprentice and would like more information contact Amanda Ash Tel : 01252 407422. Or visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk