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The Abbey Information Exchange: National Apprenticeship Week: Everything You Need to Know
Monday, 7 February 2022
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National Apprenticeship Week: Everything You Need to Know
In this exchange article, we will be focusing on apprenticeships as National Apprenticeship Week launches today across England. Apprenticeships sometimes get a bad name and many people are unaware of the many opportunities they offer. The week-long celebration, running for its fifteenth year, aims to highlight the benefits that apprenticeships bring to individuals and the wider economy. The theme ‘Build the Future’ continues for a second year with over 1,200 virtual and in person events and encourages both employers and apprentices to showcase the positive impacts apprenticeships have had on their businesses, careers and communities.
What type of apprenticeships are there?
Every apprentice follows an approved programme of study, which will combine practical on-the-job training and theoretical study at a college. At least 20% of your normal working hours should be spent on training and study for your role. Depending on the level of apprenticeship, by the end of the course you will receive a qualification. In England there are four levels of apprenticeship available which are as follows:- Intermediate (Level 2)
- This is generally considered to be equivalent to five GCSE passes.
- Advanced (Level 3)
- This is typically considered to be equivalent to two A level passes. Level 3 qualifications include a National certificate/ National diploma and NVQ
- Higher (Level 4, 5, 6 and 7)
- This is generally considered to be equivalent to a foundation degree or above
- Degree (Levels 6 and 7)
- This is equivalent to a Bachelor’s or a Master's degree.
Apprentices should work for a minimum of 30 hours a week and a maximum of 40. Part-time apprenticeships can be agreed by your employer, at a minimum of 16 hours per week. For example, where apprentices have caring responsibilities.
What apprenticeship schemes are available within the equestrian and leather work trade?
There are apprenticeships for over 1,500 job roles, giving you a wide range of careers sectors to pursue. Within the equestrian and leather trade there are two government funded apprenticeship schemes, also known as standards, which teach traditional craft skills in leather making and saddlery production.Level 2 Leather Craftsperson Apprenticeship
- Role overview: Producing or manufacturing leather goods for a number of markets
- Typical duration: 15 months
- Max government funding: £5,000
- The production of leather (processing and finishing);
- Quality check materials and components for faults;
- Leather cutting operations;
- Skive materials (shaving/reducing weight) ready for next stage of production;
- Prepare materials ready for next stage of production;
- Ink / paint raw / cut leathers edge;
- Hand / Machine sew leather components and where applicable assembles the components to produce the finished product;
- Examine finished leather / leather product for quality;
- Repair and/or rework leather/leather goods;
Level 3 Bespoke Saddler Apprenticeship
- Role overview: Making and repairing horse saddles and bridles
- Typical duration: 24 months
- Max government funding: £9,000
Find out more details about the course here.
Top Employers for Apprenticeships in the Leather & Equestrian Industry
Mulberry offers an apprenticeship programme in leather goods and manufacturing in partnership with Bridgewater and Taunton College.This partnership allows Mulberry to train their apprentices in the workplace using the company’s own expert employees, materials, equipment and techniques. Half a day each week is then spent with lecturers from Bridgwater & Taunton College, where apprentices build up skills such as communication and teamwork, study the history of the leather-working industry and learn technical information, including the different types of leather and their applications.
Pittards also recruit and train apprentices across their business in order to support skills and the growth of the business.
What are the benefits of hiring an apprentice?
Employers may think that hiring an apprentice is an extra burden to their business, but in reality, apprentices can prove very beneficial and often pay for themselves within a few years. Here’s how apprenticeships can benefit your business:- Grow talent and bring a fresh perspective to your business – most apprentices continue working for their employer after finishing their apprenticeship
- Increase productivity – apprentices free up time for more experienced members of staff
- Expand and upskill your workforce to the requirements of your business – on the job training minimises disruption and maximises impact
- Solve recruitment challenges – save on recruitment costs with the help of government funding (see more on government funding below)
“Apprenticeships offer an exciting and supported pathway for the new workers to begin a career in our industry. Bringing new blood into the industry, to ensure that the skills needed are not lost, will be essential to its future. Now is the time for UK companies to embrace apprentices and look to the next generation of leather workers.”
Government Funding
Depending on your business size and eligibility you can receive government funding to contribute towards (or in some cases cover) the cost of training and assessing an apprentice; employers automatically receive £1,000 for taking an apprentice who is aged 16 to 18 years old or is under 25 and has an education, health and care or has been in the care of their local authority.The amount of government funding you can receive depends on if you pay the Apprenticeship Levy.
Click here to find out how much funding your business is eligible to receive.
QEST Funding
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) offers apprenticeship funding of up to £12,000 to train aspiring craftspeople.Click here for more information about their requirements and the application process.