Information for Managers
Introduction
At Warwick, we believe apprenticeships are a great opportunity to develop our current workforce, offer developmental opportunities and can be a solution for hard-to-fill vacancies. Apprenticeships offer teams the opportunity to take on either a new member of staff, or up-skill an existing member of staff, with learning costs being covered by the apprenticeship levy (note: salary costs and professional registration costs are not covered by the levy).
In these financial times, it can be tricky to source funding for learning and development opportunities. The apprenticeship route can enable key learning and development for existing staff members to be funded. It’s a myth that apprentices are only for ‘young people’ or entry level roles; apprentice programmes are available right up to Level 7 Masters. There are over 800 apprenticeship programmes available, from technical to management. Here is a great guideLink opens in a new window which helps you think through the whole process.
Many teams are starting to use the apprenticeship levy to fund training for existing staff and there are ‘career pathways/maps’ available for many of the key job functions. It is a great way to access funding for key development. Note: there is criteria regarding who can be funded for an apprenticeshipLink opens in a new window
Useful links
Institute for ApprenticeshipsLink opens in a new window
Occupational MapsLink opens in a new window
Hard to Fill Roles
Is there a role that has been advertised and you have been unable to recruit to?
Have a look on our Hard to Fill Roles webpage for some help with this question.
Recruiting an apprentice
Recruiting an apprentice is very similar to recruiting any new member of staff; the key difference is that 20% of their time will be spent undertaking a development programme (apprenticeship).
An apprentice will have either a fixed-term apprenticeship or permanent contract and will be a University of Warwick staff member. Note: the fixed term contract must be longer than the duration of the apprenticeship. Apprentices can either be assigned the Warwick apprenticeship paygrade or the Warwick staff paygrade. For example, if it is a senior role, with an apprenticeship programme attached, you would most likely offer the paygrade that the job description was awarded when reviewed by the HR job evaluation panel, which would mean the role is competitive in the marketplace, and will attract the best candidates. For entry level roles (grades 2-3), the apprenticeship paygrade is often used. This must be discussed with your HR Business Partner.
Apprenticeship process for new members of staff
Apprenticeship process for existing staff
Manager FAQs
The cost of the apprenticeship will be covered by Warwick’s apprenticeship levy. The levy cannot cover the costs of Professional Registration fees, travel or equipment.
Apprenticeships:
- Helps to address any skills gaps within the team
- Have the promise of vitality, fresh perspective and new ideas
- Development of mentoring skills in existing staff
The National Apprenticeship Service also offers information on the benefits of hiring an apprentice here.
Managers are encouraged to consider apprentices as part of their career planning and workforce development strategies by asking the following questions:
- Do you want to build the professional and technical skills of your department's team?
- Are you getting value for money from your current staff?
- Are your staff developing and working at their full potential?
- Are there any skills gaps in your team?
- Is there a hard to fill post?
- Has your team taken on new responsibilities and require training?
- Has COVID-19 meant that new skills are needed in your team going forward?
- Are you seeking extra capacity?
Read the ESFA guidance for more information.
You will need to ensure there is opportunity to use the new skills they have learnt. You will also have regular meetings with the training provider to discuss the progress of your apprentice. At times, you will need to provide witness statements about their application of their learning in the workplace. Read these mythbusters to find out more.
Apprenticeships offer managers and teams in Warwick the opportunity to take on either a new member of staff or up-skill an existing member of staff with course of the course being covered by the apprenticeship levy.