Apprenticeship guide for small businesses
While small businesses understand the value of apprenticeships, the amount and accessibility of information available can often be a barrier to involvement and we're lobbying the Government, as part of our Get Britain Trading campaign, to create an information point that brings all relevant resources together in an easily accessible way.
 
To help you get started, we've put together the following guide to some of the sources of help and information available to small businesses.
 

Finding an apprentice

A great place to start for information on apprenticeships is the National Apprenticeships Service (NAS) website, which has information on the type of apprenticeships available and other useful links. 
 
They also have a helpline for employers on 08000 150 600, which enables you to discuss your business needs and to be matched up with a suitable training provider.
 
In addition, measures announced recently by the Government mean that small firms who take on apprentices through NAS in 2012/13 will receive an incentive payment of up to £1,500 and a guarantee that their vacancy will be advertised within 30 days.
 

Alternatives to government apprenticeships

While valuable, and used by 46% of members surveyed for our training and skills panel, Government apprenticeships do not suit every business.
 
31% of our members said they prefer to use traditional apprenticeships. Some small firms operate their own programme with the help of a local training provider but for those that run their own scheme in house, there are issues to bear in mind.
 
IMPORTANT If you take on an apprentice as an employer you must ensure you have an apprenticeship contract drawn up and signed by both parties. Otherwise you will be legally obliged to pay the national minimum wage rate, rather than the £2.60 an hour apprenticeship rate.
 
Also, the way in which apprentices can be dismissed is different to normal employees, so you may need to make sure that you have a term in your contract that enables you to dismiss them for poor performance. We encourage all members to call our helpline on 0845 130 1722 before taking on an apprentice to discuss the options available to you.
 
There are also other steps to follow, such as ensuring the young person is mentored by an appropriate employee and that a training programme is in place, to enable both parties to get the most out of the placement.
 
If there are no performance indicators included in an apprentices contract before they start, then small firms can get into difficulties if an apprentice does not perform. That's why we urge our members to contact our helpline on 0845 130 1722 prior to taking on an apprentice. Our team of business advisers will be able to help you to create a contract of employment and to ensure you are aware of any other requirements beforehand.
 

Other types of work experience

Some small businesses may not have a need for an apprentice, but are interested in offering a valuable work placement for a young person, an adult looking for a career change or for someone who is long term unemployed.
 
The Government recently launched the Get Britain Working initiative to encourage firms to offer such placements to young people.
 
Offering work experience is beneficial for the local community, but it can also be good for business. Such placements enable small businesses to take on a temporary staff member as an extra pair of hands who can help support the work of permanent staff. Business owners can also pass on some of their own entrepreneurial skills and experience and could even inspire somebody to start their own business one day.
 
If you have a placement to offer, please contact your local job centre, school/college or provide more information to the Department of Work and Pensions using this form.
 

Red tape

As well as lack of information on courses available, red tape can be an issue for small firms offering work experience. If you already comply with what is required by law to run a small business, such as health and safety and employment law, then you should not have to undertake any extra compliance measures.
 
In some cases minor alterations may be needed, such as updating of risk assessment policy for businesses not currently employing young people.
 
Your local job centre or school will often be able to help with such queries and will assist to make sure the business is prepared so the placement runs smoothly.
 
However, if you have any further concerns or questions the Department for Education have produced as useful myth-busting guide which answers business's frequently asked questions.