In June, Somerset Skills and Learning (SS&L) sent out The Big Somerset Employer Apprenticeship Survey to help them understand what businesses need to move forward and how SS&L could support them.
Employers across Somerset took part, from a wide range of sectors including schools, childcare, professional services and manufacturing.
SS&L thanked everyone who took part. Key points included:
• 94% had employed an apprentice
• 39% would be likely to recruit a new apprentice in the next 12 months
• 39% were likely to develop an existing member of staff with an apprenticeship in the next 12 months
• 78% agreed their preferred delivery style was blended learning, (a mix of classroom and distance learning)
• 44% chose business and administration apprenticeships as their area of interest for new apprentices
Dave West, Head of Employer Engagement at SS&L, said: “The results of this survey overwhelmingly indicate that most employers are keen for a blended learning approach to give apprentices the best mix of face-to-face and remote teaching. Based on this feedback, our delivery model is responding to that need and we will be offering more blended learning delivery from September, by investing more in our distance learning infrastructure to support our traditional classroom approach.”
SS&L launched the survey prior to the announcement of new Government employer funding incentives, which now provide up to £3,000 to businesses for each new apprentice hired.
Dave added: “The recent announcements have given businesses even more reason to consider employing an apprentice. Since this extra funding was announced, our team have experienced a significant increase in the number of employers contacting us to find out more, with 13 new apprenticeship vacancies going live in July.
“Apprenticeships and traineeships are now in the spotlight both nationally and locally. It’s reassuring that, from the survey results and recent enquiries, Somerset employers are committed to helping our economy recover, by employing and supporting new talent to benefit their organisation’s recovery.”
The SS&L Employer Engagement Team provide a free apprenticeship recruitment service to Somerset businesses. If you’d like to find out more, have any questions answered or receive advice from their expert team, get in touch on 0330 332 7997 or email enquiries@sslcourses.co.uk
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