Access are one of the leading providers of apprenticeship programmes in the region and as the only independent training provider to hold the Training Quality Standard (TQS) are well placed to deliver apprenticeships to new or current staff (any age). Access offer over 10 different apprenticeship and advanced apprenticeship frameworks and are one of few providers able to deliver Higher Apprenticeships (level 4) in Accounting and Management (new). When considering whether to offer apprenticeships within organisations companies may wish to consider the following:

Facts....

• 80% of those employers who employ apprentices agree they make their workplace more productive.

• 81% of consumers favour using a company which takes on apprentices.

• The National Minimum Wage for apprentices is £2.50 per hour. Many employers prefer to pay more however, and research shows that the average salary is approx £170 per week.

• Employers who take on a 16-18 year old apprentice only pay their salary. The Government will fund their training.

• Over 100,000 employers offer Apprenticeship places in over 190 job roles across a wide range of sectors.

• 88% of employers who employ apprentices believe that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

• 83% of employers who employ apprentices rely on their Apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future.

• One in five employers are hiring more apprentices to help them through the tough economic climate