Government acts to boost apprenticeships

The Government today launched a new service designed to make it easier for employers in England to take on apprentices.

The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) forms part of the Government’s target to increase the number of apprenticeships on offer to an annual target of 130,000.

Its main focus will be to make it as easy as possible for employers to take on apprentices, streamlining the application process, and offering support and advice at every step for both the employer and learner.

The NAS follows January’s launch of an online matching service allowing employers to advertise vacancies and prospective apprentices to apply for apprenticeships.

To date, more than 10,000 employers and almost 54,000 candidates have registered for the service and there are currently more than 4,000 live vacancies.

Simon Waugh, chief executive of the NAS, said: “Research and detailed case studies have consistently demonstrated that apprentices are vital to businesses and the economy, helping increase productivity and competitiveness.

“The NAS will build on this success by ensuring businesses are more informed of these benefits and can take advantage of them by offering apprenticeship places.”

Research has shown that the cost of investing in apprenticeship training in the hospitality sector is modest at £4,326, in comparison to other sectors and can often be recouped more quickly – often in little over one year.