The truth about apprenticeships
There are many misunderstandings surrounding apprenticeships.
The truth is that a young apprentice can bring a lot of ambition, enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. And in return you can pass on to them your methods of working and develop the skills needed to help your business grow.
Myth 1
The fact that you sign your apprentice up to a local college means you have registered with ConstructionSkills and you will definitely end up with an automatic grant.
Fact: Unless you have registered your vacancy with ConstructionSkills staff, your apprentice will not end up on a ConstructionSkills Managing Agency programme and therefore grants will not be automatic.
Myth 2
16-18 year olds are not allowed on site.
Fact: There is nothing in employment law that declares this, and the HSE do not state that this
is the case.
Myth 3
My insurance company won’t let me have an apprentice/my insurance will be more expensive.
Fact: Most insurance companies will cover apprentices and at no extra cost to your current policy, (please check with your insurance company).
Myth 4
If I take on an apprentice and register with ConstructionSkills it will cost me a fortune in levy.
Fact: If your PAYE is below £80K you will not be liable for any levy, and can claim full grants
for all apprentices up to £9,000 over 3 years. ConstructionSkills pays all college fees
for 16-18 year olds and further assistance may be available such as travel costs and accommodation.
Myth 5
Apprentices mean lots of paperwork.
Fact: ConstructionSkills staff will complete all the paperwork, undertake H&S inspections, review
the apprentice in the work place and training centre, and provide feedback to the employer. All grants are paid automatically.
Myth 6
Youngsters don’t want to work.
Fact: Our records and information show that 16-18 year olds have a better achievement rate than over 19s due to them still being in the learning and training mindset. Their IT skills are often of a high level.
Myth 7
My work is specialised and there is no training scheme to accommodate.
Fact: ConstructionSkills has apprenticeship courses in most specialised trades. We have our own centres, such as National Construction College (NCC), which accommodate most of the popular specialised trades, and we have a National Specialist Team who can set up apprenticeships in other trades.
Myth 8
An apprenticeship is for 3 years.
Fact: An apprenticeship is for 2 years and a further year for those progressing onto an Advanced Apprenticeship (this is optional and not suitable for all). Alternatively we have a Programme Led Apprenticeship (PLA) which is up to a 12-month period.
Talk to our experts
Call 0344 994 4044 to arrange an appointment with a dedicated member of the ConstructionSkills team