Shropshire Star

How to get involved in Ladder for Shropshire

Whether you are a business looking at taking on an apprentice or a young person after work, there are plenty of benefits to getting involved with the Ladder for Shropshire campaign.

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We believe the Ladder for Shropshire campaign could make a real difference to the youth unemployment issues we have in our communities. So we are asking businesses to take on an apprentice and help youngsters get on the job ladder.

What are we asking employers?

We want companies - large, medium, and small - to take on one or more apprentices.

What is an apprenticeship?

It is a paid job that includes on- and off-the-job training and leads to nationally-recognised qualifications.

Why are we doing this?

Youth unemployment is a challenge in Shropshire as it is throughout the country. We want to close the skills gap between school leavers and employers by creating more direct entry routes into work-based training schemes.

For employers, what are the benefits of having apprenticeship?

For every apprentice you take, you may be eligible for a Government grant of £1,500. Research shows that 72 per cent of businesses report improved productivity as a result of employing an apprentice. More than 80 per cent of consumers favour using a company which takes on apprentices and 74 per cent of businesses say apprentices are more loyal and stay with the business longer than other employees.

What will it cost to take on an apprentice?

You are required to pay each apprentice the national apprentice wage of £2.73 per hour, though we encourage employers pay more. The standard minimum wage for 18 to 20 year-olds is £5.13, while for those under 18 it is £3.79.

How do I take on an apprentice?

You can call these numbers 03309998441 (Mobile friendly lo-call rate) 08009998441 (Freephone from landlines)

or fill out the form at the bottom of this page.

What are the benefits of apprenticeships for young people?

Apprenticeships enable you to start working and earn a decent wage while you learn key skills and gain the qualifications that future employers want. You'll get first-hand knowledge of how the industry works, and see whether or not it's really what you want to pursue as a career. As an apprentice, you'll be treated like a regular employee with paid holiday.

Aren't apprenticeships for those who fail at school?

Absolutely not. One of the largest advantages of apprentices is that you will get the qualifications you need in your field, while being able to put the skills you learn into practice at the same time. Being able to show that you have got industry experience plus qualifications will give you a huge advantage over other job applicants.

How do I get an apprentice?

You can call these numbers 03309998441 (Mobile friendly lo-call rate) 08009998441 (Freephone from landlines) or fill out this form:

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