Taking on a Young Apprentice is a considerable commitment but it is a rewarding commitment.

It is an investment of time, skill and knowledge but ultimately, it is an investment in the future of a young person, providing them with a unique opportunity to build their skills and achieve improved progression possibilities.

A Young Apprentice gains significantly from the programme experience but there are many benefits for employers too.

Staff Development

The programme requires a member of your staff to be identified as an internal supervisor or mentor for the Young Apprentice. An existing employee is awarded this responsibility and has an opportunity to train towards NVQ assessor status, if they have sufficient occupational competence. This added responsibility is a valuable learning experience for the employee and contributes to the development of their skills.

Invest in the future of a young person

Recruitment and retention 

Upon completion of the programme, Young Apprentices will have gained significant work experience and will be well accustomed to your organisational style. We encourage employers to see their involvement with YA as part of their recruitment strategy. Should you choose to offer a post 16 apprenticeship or a full time administrative position to the apprentice, you will benefit from hiring someone who is already familiar to the organisation thus saving time and money on training and advertising costs, should the young person wish to accept. The programme will also have a positive impact on the supervisor or mentor, who will enhance their skills through the increased responsibility.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

More and more organisations are embracing the connection between business and society through the realisation that the wellbeing of one depends upon the wellbeing of the other. The Young Apprenticeship programme is a commitment to the development of skills and talent in the future UK workforce. It is also a commitment to instil an ethos of training and development within the organisation. Companies engaged in CSR are reporting benefits both to their reputation and to their bottom line. Find out more about CSR

Promotion and Public Relations

Being a part of the Young Apprenticeship programme is a positive contribution towards CSR. Investing in a young person's future demonstrates a commitment to the future of the UK workforce. It also shows that as an organisation, you are committed to training and development. These factors equal a progressive corporate image that will be recognised by employees, customers and clients and make the organisation a more desirable place to work.

Questions to consider before committing to a Young Apprenticeship:

	Can you offer block or one day per week work placements?
	Will you adjust your insurance policy to accommodate a pre-16?
	Will you undertake CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks on members of staff?
	How will the Young Apprentice be monitored throughout their placement?
	Do you have an employee that is able to supervise and mentor the Apprentice?
	Can you make appropriate arrangements for young people with special needs?

Important notes:

! The amount of time you can offer as a placement is negotiable with your local partnership.

! Costs for risk assessments and CRB checks will be funded by the local partnership. The processes involved will also be fully supported by partnerships.

! Partnerships will support monitoring and pastoral care of young people while in a placement within your organisation.