MTC Apprenticeships has seen a surge in applications from prospective apprentices, with more than 700 young people looking to join the award-winning programme.
Having passed the MTC’s rigorous selection process, 135 successful candidates are ready to be snapped up by employers who can now take advantage of the recently-announced government scheme to pay an additional, temporary, bonus of up to £2,000 per learner for employers taking on new apprentices.
Recent figures from the National Apprenticeship Service show that 75% of employers believe that taking on apprentices has lowered their recruitment costs. Furthermore, 92% of businesses who employ apprentices say that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.
Apprenticeships also help address the engineering skills shortage by providing learners with the skills and experience to help them add value to their organisation from the start of their careers.
Apprentices on the MTC’s programme gain additional expertise compared to other learners through their exposure to the latest engineering technologies, crucial to the success of the industry.
For MTC employer partner, Coventry-based Arrowsmith Engineering, taking on apprentices is a crucial element of its growth strategy and essential to the business’s success.
Its managing director, Jason Aldridge commented: “Having young, bright people is so important and combining them with experienced staff becomes the lifeblood of any SME in the sector.
He added: “As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, we had to make some difficult decisions around our workforce, but we kept our MTC apprentices on board as a result of the value they have brought. They are a credit to themselves and our business.”
Firms can take advantage of a range of funds and financial incentives to support the employment of an apprentice.
UK employers with a payroll of more than £3m can use their apprenticeship levy to cover training costs, while eligible smaller businesses can access a £1m fund created through an exclusive partnership between MTC Apprenticeships and Lloyds Bank.
Companies interested in finding out more about the apprentice talent pool, funding opportunities or the apprenticeship bonus should contact [email protected]
*All images courtesy of The MTC