For apprenticeship schemes to deliver to their full potential, continued government investment is essential.

Apprenticeship schemes have the potential to lift the basic skill set of the UK and have already proved extremely popular with individuals, young and old, around the country.

The government is well aware of the positive benefits they bring to both the employer and individual and has already announced that they are to fund an extra 35,000 apprentices in 2010 as part of its efforts to tackle the economic downturn. By investing an extra £140m in schemes in England the government aims to get one in five young people on apprenticeships within 10 years.

Further funds are specifically being made available for small businesses and training providers allowing them to bid for funding from a pot of £7m to take on apprentices. The money is available to pay for new and innovative approaches to make it easier to take on apprentices in the downturn and will fund up to ten Apprenticeship Training Agencies (ATAs) that could deliver up to 15,000 apprenticeships per year by 2015.

Apprenticeships schemes are continually broadening their horizons with courses now available across the public sector frontline and within schools.

What are Apprenticeships?

As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off the job, usually on a day-release basis, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Anyone living in England, over 16 and not in full-time education can apply.

Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability and the industry sector. The minimum salary is £95 a week; however, many apprentices earn significantly more.

Key benefits:

• earn a salary
• get paid holidays
• receive training
• gain qualifications
• learn job-specific skills.