What is an apprenticeship? 

Apprenticeships combine training in a job with study, taking a minimum of 12 months to complete. There are over 600 apprenticeship standards available, linked to a wide range of job roles from entry level through to degree / masters level. 

Apprentices:  

• work alongside experienced staff 
• gain job-specific skills 
• earn a wage and get holiday pay 
• get time for study related to their role (usually one day a week) 

Apprenticeships are open to new recruits and existing staff over the age of 16. 

Why should I get involved? 

Employer benefits: 

• Increased staff retention and satisfaction  
• A cost-effective way of upskilling existing staff 
• New talent development and reduction in skills gaps 
• Access to funding and government incentives (dependant on eligibility criteria) 

 There are several steps involved in hiring a new apprentice: 

1. Choosing an apprenticeship 
2. Finding an organisation that offers the apprenticeship training 
3. Checking the funding you can get  
4. Creating a digital account 
5. Advertising the apprenticeship vacancy 

For more information about the process visit: https://www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice 

If you are a larger employer you may be paying into the Apprenticeship levy. This is a tax paid by employers which is stored in a fund to pay for apprenticeship training.  

Contact us for help with: 

• Accessing apprenticeships and apprenticeship providers 
• Understanding funding and incentives available 
• Unlocking levy potential and or levy transfers 

Please book a 1-2-1 with one of the LSIP team.

T Levels are new 2-year courses which are completed after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent to 3 A Levels.  

These courses have been developed with employers and education providers so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or related technical study through further or higher education. 

T Levels offer students practical and knowledge-based learning at a school or college and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days. 

The courses are available at selected colleges, schools and other providers across England. 

Completing a T Level industry placement is a great way for students to prepare for the world of work and employers play an important part by offering high-quality, meaningful industry placements that equip students with the skills, knowledge and behaviours that are required. 

If you are interested in offering industry placements or finding out more about T Levels please contact us. 

The government has launched a one-year employer support fund Employer support fund for T Level industry placements – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) , providing financial assistance to employers offering placements in the 2023–24 financial year. This supports employers with costs they may incur when hosting placements such as administration, support with training staff who will supervise learners and other costs such as PPE equipment. 

There is also an established a T Level employer ambassador network Becoming a T Level ambassador – T Levels and industry placement support for employers to engage with others in their industries on T Levels and placements.  

What are Skills Bootcamps? 

Skills Bootcamps have been developed in partnership with local employers, providers and authorities to help fill skills gaps and vacancies in local areas. 

Skills Bootcamps are funded, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks.

Employer cost 

• No cost to employers who recruit individuals who have completed a Skills Bootcamp. 
• Employers contribute to the cost of training if they want to use Skills Bootcamps to train their existing employees. 
• Large employers contribute 30% of the cost, and small or medium employers (SMEs) contribute 10%. 

Benefits: 

Skills Bootcamps can help your business: 

• develop a loyal and talented workforce with the skills you need quickly 
• futureproof your business in a rapidly changing labour market 
• improve your productivity; learners are motivated to learn new skills, provide new ideas and a fresh perspective 
• recruit staff with the right training and skills  
• get access to a pipeline of skilled adults by working with existing Skills Bootcamp providers 

What Skills Bootcamps are available? 

Find out more about the Bootcamps available in Cheshire and Warrington by visiting: https://cheshireandwarrington.com/growth-and-skills/skills-and-education/skills-bootcamps/skills-bootcamps-catalogue/ 

To see the full list of Skills Bootcamps available across the North West please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-a-skills-bootcamp/north-west 

Supported internships are a structured, work-based study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). The main part of a supported internship study programme is a substantial work placement. 

Supported interns are enrolled and supported by a learning provider, for example, a college or training provider, but spend most of their learning time in a work placement. The programme lasts between 6-12 months. The young person receives the support of an expert job coach throughout the placement. 

To find out more about offering a placement to a young person please either contact us or follow the links below to providers in Cheshire & Warrington: 

Cheshire West  

Cheshire East 

Warrington