Employers encouraged to back local talent as Gloucestershire College gears up for September

With brand new programmes and incentive payments of up to £3,000, Gloucestershire College is encouraging local employers to back local talent and recruit apprentices this September.

Gloucestershire College has a strong pool of candidates ready and waiting to join local businesses and take the first step in their careers. Enthusiastic, adaptable and ready to learn, these prospective apprentices could be the perfect addition for employers looking to grow and boost their business.

With over 45 programmes available covering everything from construction and carpentry, to hairdressing, HR and healthcare, Gloucestershire College provides apprenticeships for all kinds of industries.

Employers, large and small, can expect real, measurable benefit from taking on an apprentice:

• Increased productivity
• Improved staff retention, motivation and morale
• Business growth and development whilst keeping costs down
• Filled skill-gaps through bringing in essential new skills and knowledge

Plus, with the government’s new incentive payment scheme rewarding employers with up to £3,000 for each apprentice hired, Gloucestershire College is encouraging all local employers to make the most of this opportunity and help support our next generation.

“We currently work with more than 800 businesses in and around Gloucestershire, but we’re looking to increase that number.

“With the new academic year just around the corner, we’re encouraging businesses to back local talent and make the most of the government’s new incentive payments of up to £3,000 by hiring apprentices.

“Over the last few months, we have been working hard to make our apprenticeship programmes as flexible as possible for employers by bringing in blended and online learning.

“At Gloucestershire College, we are committed to delivering learning that works for local businesses in Gloucestershire and beyond.” – Julie Tegg, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Training at Gloucestershire College.

Gloucestershire College’s Business Hub team are here to guide local employers through apprenticeships and offer expert advice about the incentive payments available.

“It has never been more important for local employers to invest in the future of Gloucestershire’s next generation. September is fast approaching and we have a whole host of young people looking for opportunities to take.

“We have a fantastic pool of candidates ready and waiting for apprenticeship openings with local employers in construction, trade, engineering, IT, hospitality, business, early years and more.

“Whether your business has been taking on apprentices for years, or you are brand new to the scheme, get in touch with our Business Hub team for no-obligation advice.

“If your business can’t recruit for September, but you are still interested in providing a young person with an apprenticeship opportunity, we’d encourage you to still come and speak to our team.

“We have a whole programme of apprenticeships that can start at any point throughout the year, plus new January starts for our construction, engineering and finance programmes.

“Prospective apprentices apply all year round, so speak to our team today about your business needs, and we can offer you the right support.” - Myra Billinghurst, Business Development Manager & Business Hub Team Leader.

To view Gloucestershire College’s full programme of apprenticeships, visit here.

To sign up to recruit an apprentice this September or find out more about incentive payments and funding, contact the Business Hub team today via: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk or 01452 563400.