Making Apprenticeships work for your Business

7th November 2013

Government statistics show that in the academic year of 2011/2012 there were over 520,000 apprenticeship starts in England, and figures given in September 2013 indicate that there will be even more this year with online apprenticeship applications up by 32%, to over 1.

4million, on last year. But are you making the best of the opportunities that apprentices can bring to your business? Taking on an apprentice can bring huge benefits to your business. If you get the whole process right, you can get substantial funding to help with the costs of recruitment, employment and training, and, at the end of the apprenticeship, be left with experienced, qualified staff, perfectly fit to your work in your individual business. Getting the process right is key of course. You must follow specific steps, make sure you pay the right wages, give the right holidays and support the apprentice in their qualifications, to mention just a few issues. Questions often arise as to whether the apprentice should be an employee akin to others or in a category of their own and what the legal and contractual consequences are. It can be complex, but The HR Exchange has got just the thing to help make sure you get it all right with its next free session on apprenticeships. Led by award winning employment lawyer Jay Bhayani, from niche HR & employment law firm Bhayani Bracewell, and leading recruitment specialists Brewster Pratap, December's HR Exchange session will offer invaluable knowledge on apprenticeships and help each business to make sure they get the very best benefits for themselves. Free of charge as usual, and held in a relaxed atmosphere with a light lunch included, December's HR Exchange meeting will take place from 12 noon 2.00pm on 11th December at The Aston Hotel, Sheffield. To book a place, please contact Jay Bhayani on 0114 272 1884 or email jay@bhayanibracewell.co.uk. www.bhayanibracewell.co.uk Don't miss Jay discussing employment law issues with Jamie Veitch on his new Friday morning 'business news, advice and how to' show on Sheffield Live at 9.00am on Friday 8th November. Live on 93.2 FM and via an internet live stream and available as a podcast afterwards at http://www.sheffieldlive.org/2013/10/businesslive-brand-new-series-about-business-startup-and-growth/