The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) is calling on engineering services businesses to continue to recruit apprentices
ECA has urged engineering services firms to continue to recruit new apprentices.
The trade body has created an explanatory video, which highlights the array of financial and business benefits to employers from apprentices.
Apprentice benefits include:
- Employers can claim Government incentive payments of up to £3,000 per apprentice hired up until the end of January 2021
- Government training grants mean that in England, for example, non-apprentice levy payers need contribute only five per cent of the costs of training an apprentice
- Over four years, a business can receive a return on investment of up to £57,000 from each apprentice.
The video also explains a range of ways in which employers can get apprentices back to work after time away on furlough.
It also outlines how apprentices can travel to and undertake work safely, in line with current social distancing requirements.
The bedrock of the engineering services industry
ECA director of employment, Andrew Eldred, said: “Apprentices are the bedrock of the electrotechnical and engineering services industry.
“Those employers able to retain and hire new apprentices can expect a healthy return on their investment, as well as longer-term benefits such as more sustainable business growth and stronger capability in new technologies.
“ECA urges employers to watch our new video and consider the benefits of having apprentices in your organisation, as well how you can bring existing apprentices back safely from furlough.
“We welcome the consistent commitment of ECA members such as T. Clarke, who recently confirmed recruitment of another tranche of apprentices, and hope other businesses will now follow suit.”
