Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are an effective way to grow your business through developing the skills of new and existing staff. They combine workplace learning with academic study and are designed to meet your business needs.
With over 250 different types of apprenticeship frameworks covering 1400 job roles, there is something to suit everyone.
The Harborough District Apprenticeship grant is available to all Harborough District business with less than 150 employees. Apprentices can be any age over 16 and the grant can be used for new staff or for existing employees who require training.
Business Case Studies
Filter Designs
Filter Designs clean up process gas emissions to prevent dust and other pollutants going to atmosphere. Using a core team of trained and experienced professionals they design bespoke air filtration systems to suit your application. For turnkey solutions they will manage erectors, controls engineers, insulation contractors and other specialists to realise the total system on sites worldwide.
How did you hear about the Harborough District Apprenticeship Grant?
Via Heart of England Training
Have you employed apprentices in the past?
This is our first apprentice
How did you find the process of hiring an apprentice through the scheme?
Using Heart of England Training (HOET) it was simplified. Previously we had struggled to match the job on offer to a particular accredited scheme.
What did you benefit from this experience, employing an apprentice and what they brought to the team/ your business?
Our apprentice has now been with us for almost 6 months. She is enthusiastic, hardworking, keen to learn and she brings a fresh outlook to our team.
Do you feel that recruiting apprentices is an effective way to build a workforce with skills that meet the needs of the business?
Yes, as long as it forms part of a long term vision.
Did you find it to be an effective / cost-effective form of training?
Absolutely. Our apprentice has already won 3 projects she has quoted under guidance.
Would you feel confident to take on more apprentices in the future / would you recommend the scheme to other businesses?
Potentially, we have to manage the future potential of an apprentice against the input, training and guidance they can require.
If you were looking to take on apprentices in the future, do you feel you could benefit from having a closer relationship with local schools as a means of matching school leavers’ skills to the business?
That would seem to make sense
George Halls Cycle Centre
George Halls Cycle Centre is an independent cycle shop with a reputation for their vast knowledge, low prices and excellent customer service.
How did you hear about the Harborough District Apprenticeship Grant?
A Market Harborough Chamber of Trade & Commerce meeting
Have you employed apprentices in the past?
Yes, I have ran 5 through apprenticeships with 4 completing.
How did you find the process of hiring an apprentice through the scheme?
Luckily this time the apprentice came to me looking for a position.
What did you benefit from this experience, employing an apprentice and what they brought to the team/ your business?
Previously I have always done well with apprentices. All but one have continued with employment here. The 5th left of his own accord, saying he fell out of love repairing bicycles. They have all brought different aspects to the business, as 2 of them I can through a workshop apprenticeship and the other 2 through a retail management one.
Do you feel that recruiting apprentices is an effective way to build a workforce with skills that meet the needs of the business?
Yes, providing the apprentice likes what they are doing and are willing to learn. You can mould an apprentice into the way you do business or do certain things. Occasionally they might even surprise you with a good idea or suggestion.
Did you find it to be an effective / cost-effective form of training?
The fact you can get a grant to help, yes, especially as I pay above the recommended minimum wages. When I have employed under 18’s as an apprentice, everything was paid for, but the couple I have had to pay for, you hope you will get value for money and in the long term that employee and what they bring to the business will eventually pay for themselves.
Would you feel confident to take on more apprentices in the future / would you recommend the scheme to other businesses?
Yes and Yes
If you were looking to take on apprentices in the future, do you feel you could benefit from having a closer relationship with local schools as a means of matching school leavers’ skills to the business?
Because cycling and cycle shops are more of a lifestyle than a career it is hard to say.
Salad Skills
Salad Skills is an independent firm working ethically, innovatively and honestly to recruit both external apprentices and upskill internal staff.
How did you hear about the Harborough District Apprenticeship grant?
Through Leicester Hub
Have you employed apprentices in the past?
Not before the grant
How did you find the process of hiring an apprentice through the scheme?
Very easy
What did you benefit from this experience, employing an apprentice and what they brought to the team/ your business?
Developing new talent. Doing what we do it’s important to practise what we preach by growing our own business through apprentices
Do you feel that recruiting apprentices is an effective way to build a workforce with skills that meet the needs of the business?
100%
Did you find it to be an effective / cost-effective form of training?
Yes
Would you feel confident to take on more apprentices in the future / would you recommend the scheme to other businesses?
We’re about to take on our third, Aimee starts in February
If you were looking to take on apprentices in the future, do you feel you could benefit from having a closer relationship with local schools as a means of matching school leavers’ skills to the business?
I’m an Enterprise Adviser through the LLEP so fully advocate this
