Make apprenticeships work for you

Learn something new every day

THEY say that you learn something new every day. On an apprenticeship programme this is exactly what happens, as day by day a learner develops their skills through the advice and instruction of skilled professionals.

It is this “learning on the job” that sets apprenticeships apart from all other aspects of training, as apprenticeships have been on offer since the guilds of the Middle Ages, but started to be regulated in 1563 when they were prescribed and regulated by the Elizabethan Statute of Artificers which set out terms and conditions for training and for the master-apprentice relationship which charted a seven year apprenticeship programme.

By 1802 legislation had developed further giving way to the Health and Morals of Apprentices Act whose provisions included a 12 hour working day and a requirement that factory apprentices were taught reading, writing and arithmetic.

By the 1960s there were over 240,000 apprentices, but this had fallen to only 53,000 by 1990 with no public funding for apprenticeship programmes.  In 2004 the whole apprenticeship family was rebranded to form what we have today. This has seen completions rising from 24 per cent in 2001 to today’s figure of 70 per cent with over 180,000 learners on programme.

What do apprenticeships mean for an employer?

For an employer, training an apprentice means that they are able to ensure that the next generation of staff acquire the same skills, practices and professionalism that fits their mould  and is tailored to suit their customer demands.

By 2020 the Government is looking to have 500,000 apprentices training throughout the UK.  To do this we need every employer to look at their business and see how taking on an apprentice can work for them.

If this approach is taken nationally then we can all make a difference.

Apprenticeships are the future of the UK economy as our business leaders of tomorrow could be developing their skills on an apprenticeship programme with you today. It’s time for change, let’s abolish the myths of bureaucracy, cost and unmotivated young people and help 100 learners into work!

So pick up the phone dial the hotline (01803 540800) and see how we can make apprenticeships work for you.

Paul Champion
Apprenticeship Manager,

For more information on how to take courses at South Devon College call free on: 08000 380 123