Apprenticeships

Information for Employers:
Knowsley Community College is a long standing provider of Apprenticeship Training, meeting the changing needs of employers across Merseyside and the North West. Apprenticeships are available for both new and existing staff and can start at any time in the year.

What are Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are designed by employers for employers and have proven to be an effective means of filling skills gaps in the current workforce, whilst improving productivity and profitability.

Apprenticeships give people the opportunity to train as they work and earn money and will ensure that your workforce has the practical skills and qualifications your organisation needs now and in the future.

Level of Training:
The level of qualification an Apprenticeship can work towards will depend on any previous qualifications and past experience.

• Apprenticeship – Level 2
• Advanced Apprenticeship – Level 3
• Higher Apprenticeship – Level 4 (currently only AAT)

Apprenticeships at levels 2 and 3 can be completed independently or by progressing from the level 2 to level 3.

Are there any costs involved?
There is no cost for the training delivered to a 16/18 year old Apprentice as this is fully funded by the Government, but there will be an expected contribution for 19+ Apprentices.

During the first year of training or until their 19th birthday an employer is required to pay the apprentice a minimum wage of £95.00, but in most cases the salary you will pay your apprentice will depend on their age and experience. After the first year of the apprenticeship the national minimum wage rates apply. You must also ensure that there is a contract of employment in place.

How much time will be spent away from work?
Training is usually delivered one day per week at College with the rest of the week in the workplace, where ongoing assessment of progress will be carried out. In some vocational areas, the College can offer a flexible approach to delivery with some/all delivery and assessment taking place on the employer premises.

Apprenticeship Vacancy Matching Service:
The Apprenticeship Vacancy Match Service is a national initiative supported by the Government and is for individuals to search and apply for Apprenticeships. It allows employment vacancies to be marketed to the widest possible audience at no cost. We will place your vacancies on the website at www.apprenticeship.org.uk

Organisation Needs Analysis:
If you would like Knowsley Community College to help you to identify your business needs or skills gaps, we can arrange for one of our Business Advisers to provide a consultation. An Organisational Needs Analysis/Training Proposal will be generated, which will identify improvement solutions that match the needs of your business. Knowsley Community College Business Advisers will review all of the training opportunities available to your employees(s) and identify the most effective options.


What are the benefits to an Employer?

• 77% of employers believe Apprenticeships make them more competitive.
• 76% say that Apprenticeships provide higher overall productivity.
• 80% feel that Apprenticeships reduce staff turnover.
• 83% of employers rely on their Apprenticeship Programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future.
• Over three-quarters of respondents expect Apprenticeships to play a bigger part in their recruitment policy in the future.

How do you start the process?
We will identify the skills your business needs, pinpoint the right training and arrange a quality training package delivered by highly experienced staff.

Please click on the link to view the current offer of Apprenticeship Training Programmes available at Knowsley Community College

Full Course Listing

For more information contact:
Knowsley Community College
Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby
Merseyside L32 8SF
Tel: 0151 477 5757
Email: info@knowsleyassociates.co.uk