A Liverpool learning provider has launched an unique competition to encourage more businesses to take on apprentices.
Scientiam is offering to cover the costs of a plumbing apprenticeship placement for two years with one local business – and all they have to do is answer a few simple questions.
Based on £95 per week wages and covering all college fees the competition will be open to plumbing businesses of any size across the Liverpool region.
Jayne Worthington, Scientiam managing director, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses. We will match the winner with a suitable candidate and Scientiam will pay the apprentice’s wage in full for 24 months as well as college costs.
“We have so many enthusiastic and talented young people who are waiting to step into these roles and apprenticeships really are a great low cost way of building a skilled workforce.
“Following the financial crisis there have been less opportunities but now as we are starting to see more green shoots in most industries it is a good time to start taking on more apprentices. They have been proven to help companies grow, bring fresh ideas and with the right training can become an integral part of your business – all at minimal cost and with no fuss.”
Daryl Byrne, managing director of Wirral based D R Byrne Heating and Plumbing, is a strong supporter of apprenticeships having taken two on through Scientiam.
He said: “I am keen on anyone putting in a bit of time and effort to help young people as long as the recipients are enthusiastic and seek out the opportunity themselves.”
Mr Byrne, from Wallasey, explained that apprenticeships are the best way to secure low cost workers who are trained to the company’s standards without any inherited bad habits from previous jobs.
“There are a lot of fast track schemes out there but people need experience as well as learning,” he said. “If you take on an apprentice you can train them in the right procedures for your company. My workers are polite, great with customers, hardworking and since taking them on I have not looked back once.”
Having previously been named as an Employer of the Year by Scientiam, Mr Byrne added: “Taking on an apprentice is a big responsibility and can seem quite daunting but Scientiam offers a great support network. Employment can be a mine field with all the different legalities but if I have any queries about issues like employment law or salary they are on hand to fill in the gaps, which is very reassuring.”
With his first apprentice now fully qualified Mr Byrne has put him in charge of teaching the younger apprentice and said now he could not do without them.
“Although at the beginning you need to make sure that the apprentices are supervised and dedicate time to their training, the advantages of taking them on far outweigh the initial inconvenience and over time the apprentice will become a real asset.”
Companies wishing to apply for the competition will be asked to answer three questions:
· Why do you feel your company should win this competition?
· Give examples of how the apprentice will benefit from training with your company?
· How would having an apprentice benefit your business?
All applications should be returned by Monday September 12. The 10 runners up will be given the chance to attend a free half day Green Energy Training Centre awareness session worth over £100.
Businesses wanting to apply should visit www.getc.co.uk/apprentice-competition or for more information ring 0844 822 8088.
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