Central Bedfordshire Council is supporting this year’s National Apprenticeship Week. This year’s theme is ‘Build the Future’, and the Council is encouraging employers to consider how apprentices can help them develop their workforce. 

Recruiting an apprentice can help bring fresh talent and skills to organisations, or boost the existing skills and knowledge of staff, helping employers build a workforce with future ready skills. According to gov.uk: 

• 86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation
• 78% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity
• 74% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve the quality of their product or service

Anyone over the age of 16 who’s living in England can apply for an apprenticeship - from school leavers and university graduates to people who want to further their careers or change career direction completely. 

Apprenticeships are available from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) right through to Levels 6 and 7 (equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree). They are a great option for many as they combine on and off the job learning. 

However, apprenticeships aren’t only suitable for bringing in new employees. They’re also ideal for upskilling or retraining existing employees – of any age, and at any level. The Council runs its own apprenticeship scheme, and at any one time can have 130 apprentices – this includes new recruits, existing staff who are upskilling and apprenticeships being carried out at schools. 

Employers can get funding from the government to help pay for apprenticeship training. Find out more about the funding on offer and how to apply on the Government’s website 

The Academy at Central Bedfordshire Council offers a variety of apprenticeship programmes including customer service, business administration, Adult Care, Early Years and education (Teaching Assistant).  

For more information about The Academy and apprenticeships on offer in Central Bedfordshire, please contact Laura Dunn on 0300 300 8131 or email academy@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk