City and Islington College

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Employer FAQ

How can employers benefit from taking on an Apprentice?

There are numerous business benefits for taking on, or training existing staff through an Apprenticeship. Apprentices diversify your workforce and bring in continued learning and best practice for your sector.

Improve your productivity
Apprentices receive training that is relevant to your business. This means they can have an immediate impact and make a real and more meaningful contribution. On-the-job training allows apprentices to directly gain from the skills and experience of those around them.

Motivate your workforce
Apprenticeships are available to both new and existing employees. Developing your staff improves their motivation and means they are eager to know more. Added responsibility also makes them feel more valued, so they are easier to retain in the long term.

Relevant training
Apprenticeships provide your workforce with expertise that is specific to your industry and to your business. Industry specialists who genuinely understand what you do will literally design your apprentices training programme around your business needs.

Avoid skills shortages
Businesses cannot progress without change and innovation. Especially in today’s challenging economic climate. Apprenticeships can help your workforce master the latest techniques, by sharing best practice. This helps you to fill the skills gaps you have and insure against those that may arise in future. By taking on apprentices, you can develop the specialist skills needed to keep pace with the latest technology and working practices in your sector.

What are my responsibilities?

Apprentices are essentially employees. You will need to manage your apprentice to ensure they are practising the skills and knowledge gained by the college-taught part of the programme. You are required to pay their wage.

What about paperwork?

We need to ensure that the training provided is of a high quality, and that the public funding provided is used for training – but this need not be a bureaucratic process. You will be required to complete basic paperwork, which forms the basis of our contract between you, your apprentice and the College.

Will it cost me anything?

As an employer, your are responsible for paying your apprentices wage, a minimum of £100 a week.

Student profile

Picture of Yasmin Mouse

Yasmin Mouse

My course allows me to gain good experience and qualifications at the same time as I'm learning theory, best practice and key skills. The teachers are great! They always answer my questions and give good advice. When I finish the course, I want to study a degree in accounting and finance at Queen Mary, University of London. Yasmin is currently studying Accounting Apprenticeship.