Does anyone know anything about employing an apprentice? Iv had a look at the local council's website but cant' find any info on where to go to recruit. Is it all done through the local colleges?

One thing i dod find was that the minimum wage was £2.50 but someone has told me the government paysome/all of that.

Any help will be much appreciated

You atually mean employ a slave ?

SCHIMPELS Modern slavery link

http://www.anapprenticeship.co.uk/gtas-atas-here-help-your-business.html

[Edited on 6-12-10 by mangogrooveworkshop]

the employer would genearlly pay the wage you can pay £2,50 per hour even beyond 20 years old providing it is a recognised apprenticeship. Some local councils deliver thesa as do Training providers you shoul be able to access the details of your training providers locally if you google them or contact your local Connections.

Colleges also do apprenticeships but usuall find companied to take an individual on day release so the benefits can be minimal and i would think for a one man band you would find this a little tedious and not really benifitting either of you.

There are also rigorous assesments of your health and safety to ensure you meet as a minimum the legal requirements for safety. I e electrical equipment is teste, as is lifting gear, COSHH regulations are adehered too, that you have an understanding of RIDDOR . You may also have to prove what you do with your waste etc. Then there is alll the training that goes with it to ensure the trainee is adequately trained. Thats the part that starts to cove you should they lose a finger etc

How it works depends on how old the apprentice is, it is "cheaper" for the employer if they are between 16 and 19 yo

You can recruit your own, or work through the local college who may have a pool of hopefuls.

You may also be able to pick up someone who is part way through, unfortunately at the moment there are a number of apprentices around who have started and then been laid-off or their employer has go to the wall.

Usually you need an employer to get on an apprenticeship, but some colleges will take on an apprentice without an employer in the hope that they will get employment during the programme which is another route to recruiting a part qualified apprentice.

Most of the funding is for the 16 - 19 age group so all their course fees wil be paid, 19 - 24 age group the employer pays 50% of course fees, 25 and above you pay just about all.

The employer also has to pay the minimum wage, as you say £2.50 per hour for 16-18 and many employers pay more especially as the apprentice progresses through the programme and becomes more productive.

Big focus on apprenticeships at the moment, talk to your local college who will probably overwhelm you with infomation.

Thanks for the help guys. Will contact local colleges and read mango's link.

Cheers

speak with working links or a4e

thanks



dave j