Back local talent: How your business can help support the next generation

There is growing evidence to suggest young people have been hit the hardest by the economic fallout from Covid-19. In response to this Gloucestershire College has launched a ‘Back Local Talent’ campaign, asking businesses to consider how they can help. The College has been inundated with young people looking for apprenticeship and career opportunities with local businesses. As well as continuing to place apprentices and trainees with over 1,000 local businesses, the College is also acting as an intermediary for the government’s new Kickstart Scheme.

Here we summarise the three ways your business can get involved. Gloucestershire College’s Business Hub team can work with you to choose the scheme that’s right for your organisation.

Apprenticeships

Duration: Ranging from 1 to 5 years depending on the level

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprentices are full time employees who work alongside other staff members whilst gaining job-specific skills. Apprenticeships allow anyone aged 16 or above to build the skills and knowledge needed in their chosen career path and will also lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Ranging from entry to degree level, there is no limit to what can be achieved through an apprenticeship.

What is required from employers?

• Full time employment of the apprentice for the duration of their apprenticeship
• National apprenticeship minimum wage must be paid to any apprentice hired
• 20% off the job training – this could be day release, block delivery in college or online training depending on the apprenticeship programme

What are the benefits for employers?

• Receive an incentive payment from the government of up to £3,000 for each new apprentice hired before 31 January 2021
• Gain a loyal and enthusiastic employee who will bring fresh new talent and ideas into your organisation
• Shape the development of apprentices to meet the needs of your business as they grow and train
• Apprenticeships are a great way to build the talent pipeline of your organisation and fill skill gaps

How to get involved:

Please visit: www.gloscol.ac.uk/BackLocalTalent to view our full range of apprenticeship programmes or email business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk to recruit an apprentice. 

Traineeships

Duration: 14 weeks (8 weeks with Gloucestershire College and then 6 weeks of work experience with an employer)

What is a traineeship?

A traineeship is a development programme designed to help 16 to 24 year olds build the skills and work experience they need to get ready for an apprenticeship or job. Some young people leave school without gaining the essential soft skills needed to take their first steps onto the career ladder. Traineeships with Gloucestershire College include an 8 week intensive in-classroom ‘Skills Accelerator’ programme to develop the young person’s employability skills as well as English, maths and digital capabilities. This programme is then followed by a 6 week work placement with a business like yours.

What are the benefits for employers?

• Receive an incentive payment of £1,000 per trainee, for up to 10 learners
• No cost or fees. All costs are met by government funding and employers are not required to provide the trainee with a wage (although you can if you would like to)
• Traineeships are a great trial scheme for a business looking to take on an apprentice (if you decide to offer the individual an apprenticeship, your business could be entitled to receive further government grants of up to £3,000)
• Trainees can offer extra support to your team and increase productivity during busy periods

How to get involved:

Please visit: www.gloscol.ac.uk/trainee and fill in the contact form to take on a trainee.  

Kickstart Scheme

Duration: 6 months

What is the Kickstart Scheme?

A new incentive from the government, the Kickstart Scheme is for 16 to 24 year olds who currently claim Universal Credit and are at serious risk of becoming long-term unemployed. The scheme provides funding for employers to create new 6-month job placements for these young people. The government will cover 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours per week. Gloucestershire College is the Circle2Success official Kickstart partner and will be acting as an intermediary to help businesses utilise the scheme. Simply tell Gloucestershire College how many placements you can provide and they will handle the rest.

What are the benefits for employers?

• Discover new talent and develop their skills to support your business
• Provide your current employees with experience in training and mentoring
• Receive funding for equipment, training and other start-up costs.
• Help back local talent and shape the skills and future of young people within Gloucestershire

How to get involved:

Please visit: www.gloscol.ac.uk/kickstart and fill in the contact form to offer a kickstart placement.

Back local talent with Gloucestershire College

If your business can offer an apprenticeship, traineeship or Kickstart Scheme placement, we'd love to hear from you. The Gloucestershire College Business Hub team is ready to support your business every step of the way. Get in touch for expert advice by emailing: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk or calling: 01452 563400.