EHDC can help fund apprentices in your business
To celebrate Apprenticeship Week we are highlighting two of the young people that have enjoyed the experience, education and advantages that an apprenticeship provides.
EHDC’s successful scheme offers local businesses an easy way to employ an apprentice by helping to pay for wages, travel and training.
Among dozens of apprentices the EHDC scheme has helped place over the years here are the stories of two currently getting their chance in the world of work.
Leah at Inadown Farm Livery Stables in Newton Valence
The apprenticeship scheme has enabled Leah Pink (17) to continue her education in a practical way. The apprentice scheme has helped Leah secure a placement for the next 12 months, giving her a chance to gain experience and qualifications ready to use in her future career. Leah is training to become a riding instructor, giving her the opportunity to teach others.
Rachel Keywood, manager of Inadown Farm Livery Stables, said: “The apprenticeship scheme provides an opportunity for people to access on-the-job training, giving them the chance to gain experience and qualifications while earning. People should be given the chance to learn in a place they are happy in, for many this is outside in a practical way, doing what they want to be their future career.
“The funding has enabled us to employ two apprentices rather than just one, meaning we can train two more instructors, providing a new generation of staff for a currently struggling industry.”
Bethia at hairdressers Salon Sixteen in Petersfield
Under the tutelage of an in-house trainer at Salon Sixteen, Bethia Hews (24) is working towards an NVQ Level 2 in Hairdressing, with Wiser Academy.
Bethia said: “I have always been interested in doing hairdressing and since a young age I knew I had a creative side to me. After a few years of doing different jobs I realised I wanted to do hairdressing.
“I chose to do an apprenticeship instead of doing the college route so then I could get the full salon experience as well as being trained.”
Kevin Packham-Boyns, owner of Salon Sixteen, said: “At Salon Sixteen we pride ourselves on offering the very best level of care and attention for all our clients. We have been open now for over 14 years in Petersfield and are proud of what we have achieved and how we are known for our professionalism.
“Since opening we have trained apprentices every year and are passionate about training in-house rather than sending our trainees off to college once a week. In doing this we are able to push them on quicker and get them doing hands-on training much sooner. We can make sure that they know the level we expect to work at Salon Sixteen and the quality that all our clients receive when they visit us.”
Could your business benefit from an apprentice?
Through the Get East Hants Working Enterprise Apprenticeship Scheme we can provide funding to subsidise wages and contribute towards transport and training for apprentices joining businesses in the district.
Although businesses of all sizes are eligible for the scheme. We encourage applications from small and medium sized businesses. Priority will be given to new applicants.
Cllr Robert Mocatta, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Prosperity, said: “The idea behind EHDC’s apprenticeship scheme is to make it as easy as possible for businesses to take on apprentices.
“Our scheme provides money to help pay for an apprentice's wages, travel and training and it's a great way for local businesses to take on an apprentice.
“Apprenticeships provide the best of all worlds, allowing young people to learn a trade, get qualifications and earn a wage."
To be eligible for the scheme, businesses must:
- have offices in East Hampshire
- pay business rates to East Hampshire District Council
- offer a minimum of 30 hours per week
- contribute towards wages for the apprentice (match funding
- Apprentices MUST NOT start employment until the employer has received a formal acknowledgement from the council