This guide will walk you through what you need to know about hiring an apprentice in Manchester.
Apprenticeships offer an incredible opportunity for businesses in Manchester to grow their workforce and shape the future of their industry. Let’s begin by outlining the benefits of taking on an apprentice for your business.
Why consider apprenticeships for your business?
Apprenticeships are more than just a training programme, they’re an investment in the future of your business. Here’s why:
- Cost-Effective Training: Apprenticeships provide a structured way to train new employees, often with financial support from the government.
- Fresh Perspectives: Young apprentices bring innovative ideas and fresh energy to your business.
- Loyalty and Retention: Investing in training can lead to greater employee loyalty and lower turnover rates.
How to find, select, and hire an apprentice in Manchester
The apprenticeship market in Manchester is thriving, driven by a strategic focus on providing quality training and enhancing employability across various sectors.
Recruiting an apprentice involves several key steps:
- Identify Your Needs: Determine the skills and roles you need to fill.
- Onboard a provider: Partner with an apprenticeship training provider.
- Advertise: Use local networks, online job boards, and apprenticeship platforms.
- Interview and Select: Conduct interviews to find the best fit for your business.
“Since the apprenticeship reforms of 2017, nearly 75,000 people in Greater Manchester have started apprenticeships.” – GMCA (Greater Manchester Combined Authority).
Creating a supportive environment for your apprentice
A supportive environment is also key to the success of any apprenticeship programme. Here’s how you can ensure a positive experience:
- Mentorship: Assign a mentor to guide and support your apprentice.
- Training and Development: Provide continuous training opportunities.
- Feedback and Communication: Maintain open lines of communication and provide regular feedback to your apprentice and training provider.
The apprenticeship market in Manchester
Manchester boasts a vibrant apprenticeship market across various sectors. Several well-known businesses in Manchester are recognised for regularly hiring apprentices. Here’s an overview of some of the top employers that offer apprenticeship opportunities in Manchester:
- BBC: The British Broadcasting Corporation is renowned for its comprehensive apprenticeship programs, which cover a variety of roles from media production to technical support.
- Accenture: This global professional services company offers apprenticeships in areas such as consulting, technology, and operations, providing hands-on experience and valuable industry skills.
- Softcat: A leading IT infrastructure provider, Softcat offers apprenticeships in IT sales, technical support, and business administration, helping young professionals gain crucial expertise in the tech industry.
- Microsoft: Known for its competitive apprenticeship programs, Microsoft provides opportunities in software development, technical consulting, and IT support, equipping apprentices with cutting-edge technological skills.
- Boohoo: As a prominent online fashion retailer, Boohoo offers apprenticeships in digital marketing, merchandising, and customer service, allowing apprentices to delve into the fast-paced world of e-commerce.
These are just some examples of how apprenticeships are playing a crucial role in driving Manchester’s economy, offering valuable work-based training for school and college leavers. Plus, with unique resources such as The Greater Manchester Apprenticeship Hub, businesses can receive additional advice and support.
Apprenticeship support in Manchester
The Greater Manchester Apprenticeship Hub is a strategic initiative dedicated to enhancing apprenticeship opportunities across the region. It serves as a pivotal resource for companies looking to hire apprentices, offering a range of services to support both employers and potential apprentices.
It offers:
Impartial Advice and Guidance: The Hub provides businesses with impartial advice on how to implement and manage apprenticeship programmes effectively. This includes information on funding, training providers, and the latest apprenticeship standards.
Funding Support: The Apprenticeship Hub assists companies in understanding and accessing available funding options. This includes guidance on the Apprenticeship Levy and co-investment models, ensuring that businesses can maximise their financial support for apprenticeship training.
Connecting Employers and Training Providers: By facilitating connections between employers and approved training providers, the Hub ensures that businesses can find the right training partners to deliver high-quality apprenticeship programmes tailored to their needs.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: The Hub actively works to promote diversity within apprenticeship schemes, offering resources and support to help businesses create inclusive and accessible apprenticeship opportunities.
Events and Workshops: Regular events, workshops, and networking opportunities are organised to keep employers informed about the latest developments in the apprenticeship sector. These events provide valuable insights into best practices and innovative approaches to apprenticeship training.
Manchester apprenticeships with Access Industry
Here at Access Industry (part of Access Creative College) we offer Manchester-based apprenticeships, specialising in industry-led training across various creative sectors. Our college operates from multiple campuses across the UK, including a significant presence in Manchester.
With us, you can find a range of apprenticeship opportunities designed to equip learners with practical skills and industry experience. These apprenticeships cover several fields primarily in creative sectors such as events, digital marketing, and software to name a few.
Some of the benefits of our apprenticeships are below:
Industry-Led Training: Our programmes are tailored to meet the demands of the creative industries. This ensures that graduates are job-ready and possess skills that are directly applicable to their chosen fields.
Earn While You Learn: Our apprenticeships provide a blend of academic learning and on-the-job training, allowing students to earn a salary while gaining valuable work experience.
Comprehensive Support: We offer robust support systems for apprentices, including career advice, mentorship, and personalised learning plans to help students succeed.
Facilities: The Manchester campuses are well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support a variety of creative disciplines. These include studios for music production, media labs, and spaces for events and esports.
Work with Access Industry and hire an apprentice
Access Industry is a highly respected apprenticeship provider in Manchester, offering specialised training in creative and digital fields. Given our sharp focus on industry relevance and practical experience, we make an excellent choice for those looking to recruit apprenticeships.
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