JTL has launched a brand-new campaign to guide employers through the process of taking on an apprentice. The organisation is also taking the opportunity to highlight that taking on an apprentice could net a firm up to £4,000 in Government grants
Its new campaign, ‘six simple steps to taking on an apprentice’, aims to alleviate any worries employers may have about taking on an apprentice whilst emphasising just how easy the process is. Plus, it’s an opportune time to take on an apprentice as employers can currently claim an incentive grant of £3,000 for apprentices hired between 1 April and 30 September 2021 regardless of their age, which is in addition to the existing £1,000 payment for all new 16-18-year-old apprentices.
Taking inspiration from popular online dating platforms, the campaign positions JTL as the matchmaker between an employer and the apprentice and supports employers from the initial stages and throughout the apprenticeship programme. From the first stage of getting in touch by filling in an enquiry form and then getting matched with the perfect apprentice, to funding advice and getting support from a dedicated training officer, JTL is on hand to help employers throughout the whole process.
Cathie Foster, Head of Marketing and Communications at JTL, commented, “The messaging of our ‘six simple steps to taking on an apprentice’ campaign comes at a crucial time as the easing of lockdown restrictions continues and the government funding is still available. We now more than ever want to encourage employers to take on an apprentice to ensure a pipeline of skilled tradespeople continues.
“As part of JTL’s support offering, we are on hand to speak to employers who are keen to invest in the training and development of an apprentice, and to help employers make the most of the government financial assistance, which is at its highest level ever and is available until the end of September.”
Employers will need to set up an account on The Apprenticeship Service portal in order to access the funding, which JTL is also offering to assist with.
The electrical industry is desperate for apprentices after facing a drop in 2020. The UK Government is offering cash for those hiring young people into the industry, but there are many more benefits for firms than just short-term grants. In fact, the green recovery that is expected to lift up the industry will be reliant on new talent, according to the ECA.