You may have read about the Government’s recent announcement of a new £1,500 grant for employers looking to recruit apprentices for the first time. This is a great opportunity for organisations with fewer than 250 staff - for more details please download the Employer Fact Sheet or call a member of Damar’s recruitment team on 0161 480 8171.
Damar has worked with law firms in Greater Manchester for many years and has led the field amongst training providers in building tailored apprenticeships for the legal sector, including the ILEX legal secretarial qualifications in some cases. In partnership with the North West Apprenticeship Company, this month marks the start of a campaign to increase the take-up of apprenticeships amongst law firms and barristers’ chambers.
The attachments give more detail on opportunities for employers and for young people in the legal sector. In particular, these include some quotes from current learners and employers about the benefits to them of apprenticeships.
Career in the law - learners.pdf
Career in the law - employers.pdf
Many employees at organisations with more than 250 staff have the right to request time off for training. From April 2011 this right will extend to employees at smaller organisations as well. The employers that we work with are already supportive of encouraging learning opportunities for staff. However, it is worth all employers looking at the rules in detail at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/employment/employees/timeoffandholidays/DG_183635
We work hard with employers to ensure that learning is delivered efficiently and, in most cases, apprentices with Damar will only need to be released from work for about one day per month in addition to their regular 1:1 workplace visits.
If you are a public or third sector employer you will probably have heard of the Future Jobs Fund. The Fund amounts to about £1 billion to support the creation of additional jobs for young people who have been out of work for some time. Jobs must last, initially, for a period of at least six months although it is hoped that many employees will then be retained.
Want many people don’t realise though is that employees engaged through the Future Jobs Fund can also study for apprenticeship qualifications. Damar is already working with some Future Jobs Fund learners - they are a perfect way to ensure that staff get the most out of their new roles.
To find out more about how Future Jobs Fund and apprenticeships can work together please call either your usual contact at Damar or Elisabeth or Mike on 0161 480 8171.
After some delays most companies are now able get funding for training senior members of staff. The support available is very flexible - Damar have recently put together a 1:1 mentoring programme for an MD as well as a one day appraisal training course for four senior managers. Key features are as follows:
The training does not have to lead to a qualification. To access funding the training has to first be approved by BusinessLink (we can arrange contact with BusinessLink). The most interesting thing about this scheme is its flexibility - essentially, provided the training is right for you then your organisation will generally be able to get the funding. The only exclusion is professional training that is required for your job. To find out more please contact either Elizabeth McGrail or Jonathan Bourne at Damar