Shape the talent in your business

There are many misconceptions surrounding apprenticeships and their benefits to a company.

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we want to debunk those myths and help to equip your business with the skills you need to face the challenges of today and tomorrow. 

With this in mind, we spoke to Sarah Hall, our head of business development, to get some answers to the most frequently asked questions about apprenticeships and what they can do for your business.

WITH THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS ALREADY BITING AND THE IMPACT OF BREXIT LOOMING LARGE, HOW COULD A BUSINESS POSSIBLY AFFORD TO HIRE AN APPRENTICE?
It doesn’t make financial sense not to. For businesses that don’t pay the Apprenticeship Levy (those with a payroll under £3m), the government contributes a minimum of 95 per cent of the training costs, rising to 100 per cent for 16 to 24 year olds. 

And, if you do pay the Apprenticeship Levy, not hiring apprentices or enrolling existing employees onto apprenticeships, is simply money down the drain.

A less direct financial benefit is the fact that apprenticeships help improve staff retention. 

You might be surprised to learn, for example, that the estimated cost of replacing an employee is between six and nine months of their annual salary and that’s before you’ve even considered how much you’ll pay the person who replaces them. 

By raising the skills profile of individuals within your team, apprenticeships help existing employees feel valued which in turn makes them more likely to stay with you. 

And having this stability within your workforce not only has a direct impact on recruitment costs but also creates greater continuity within your organisation.

Although skills can be developed through ad hoc training, apprenticeship programmes are one of the best ways to properly equip your workforce in a structured way with the skills to face the challenges of today and tomorrow. 

And, whether they’re paid for either through the Apprenticeship Levy or not, they offer a cost-efficient way to plug the skills gaps in your business and raise the performance of your workforce. 

HOW CAN B&FC HELP BUSINESSES WITH APPRENTICESHIPS?
Apprenticeships are designed to keep your company cutting-edge, with training that evolves alongside the needs of industries. 

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, apprentices receive high-quality teaching from industry experts who keep their knowledge and skills updated to align with industry standards. Whether an apprenticeship, professional course or a bespoke course designed to meet your business needs exactly, we have the right course to help you retrain and retain your workforce. 

WHO CAN YOU ENROL ONTO AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME?
No longer just the preserve of new starters or school leavers, apprenticeships can be started at any age over 16 and are open to existing employees as well as new recruits. 

Blackpool and The Fylde College has a wealth of experience delivering technical and professional education to support apprenticeship programmes. 

If you would like to find out more about the courses we offer and how we can help you, please visit our website or contact our friendly and professional team.

WHAT OUR EMPLOYER PARTNERS SAY 
We partner with businesses both large and small to support their apprenticeship programmes from international clients like Vodafone to local businesses like Blackpool Transport. 

Here’s what a small sample of them say about working in partnership with us.

VODAFONE GROUP SERVICES
“We recently selected B&FC as Vodafone Group’s primary learning provider for our Level 6 degree apprentices. The feedback B&FC received from current apprentices and partnering organisations was amongst the best for the Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree.

“Since engaging with B&FC they have been nothing short of brilliant and we are so happy to have brought them on board.” 

BLACKPOOL TRANSPORT
“When you work with Blackpool and The Fylde College you are supported with passion and professionalism at every stage. 

“Our learners consistently report positively on their experiences with the college and its tutors, and as a business we have an excellent working relationship.”

BRI MET
“We have been working with B&FC for over five years now and they have helped us secure some of the best staff we’ve ever had. 

“The tutors are incredibly attentive and really help to nurture the apprentices. The engineering department has one of the best workshops I’ve seen, there is nothing that can’t be made in that workshop.”

• WORKING WITH BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE:
  95% contribution from the government to pay for your apprentices if you are under the Levy threshold rising to 100% for 16-24 year olds.
• No upper age limit for starting an apprenticeship
• A great way to boost retention, personal investment which makes employees feel valued
• Apprenticeships are mapped to internal progression boosting job satisfaction
• We have been delivering technical and professional education since 1892 
• We partner with over 1,800 employers to offer apprenticeships which upskill your workforce and prepare them to face business challenges

01253 504343

[email protected]

www.blackpool.ac.uk/employers