Facts About Apprenticeships

There has never been a better time to employ an apprentice or start an apprenticeship.

A Brief History of Apprenticeships

• Apprenticeships can be traced back to the middle ages and the medieval craft guilds.
• The first national apprentice scheme was introduced in 1563, this included conditions much like todays minimum standards. Masters had no more than 3 apprentices and the apprenticeship could last up to 7 years.
• In the early 1900’s there were over 340,000 apprentices in any year. Growth of apprentices continued after both world wars and by 1960 a third of boys were leaving school to become apprentices.
• In 1993 a new apprenticeship scheme was announced, called “Modern Apprenticeships”. Apprentices would count as employees and be paid a wage.
• 2004-2015, apprenticeships continued to grow and change, including the removal of the upper age limit of 25 and the introduction of higher and degree level apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships: The Facts

• It’s an opportunity to learn the theory and apply it practically.
• After an apprenticeship 90% of people stay in employment
• It’s a real job, you’ll work a minimum of 30 hours a week.
• The National minimum wage for an apprentice is £3.90 an hour
• Apprenticeships are available in over 170 industries.
• Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers. They are for anyone 16 and over including, graduates, senior managers and directors.
• Those completing a higher apprenticeship could see increased earnings of an estimated £150,000 over their lifetime.
• 1 in 5 companies have a former apprentice at board level.
• 92% of apprentices felt their apprenticeship had a positive impact on their career.

Apprenticeships: What’s in it for the Employer?

• Apprenticeships enable businesses to grow their skills base resulting in increased profits, lower prices and better products.
• Employers say that qualified apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications.
• 80% of employers report that apprenticeships reduce staff turnover.
• 77% of employers believe apprenticeships make them more competitive.
• £1000 employer incentive is available when recruiting an apprentice aged 16-18.
• 89% of employers reported that apprenticeships helped their business improve the quality of their product or service.