In January the Government pledged an extra £140m to expand apprenticeship schemes, effectively funding an additional 35,000 apprentices.
A current TV advertising campaign featuring Alan Sugar and the slogan 'Make things happen' is designed to raise employer awareness of apprenticeships and show the range available.
Nurseries are among the many businesses being asked to respond to the Government's new prospectus, which sets out proposals for an Apprenticeship Expansion programme. It identifies the aims and objectives of new trials, the principles, funding and selection process, along with a timeline and application process.
Hands-on experience
The Ark Private Day Nursery in Hebdon Bridge, West Yorkshire, is a strong advocate of apprenticeships. At any one time it has around ten members of its team - 25 per cent of its workforce - on an apprenticeship scheme.
According to Jo Brock, who co-owns the nursery with partner Heidi Bingham, apprentices are heavily involved in the everyday running of the nursery, which incorporates an after-school and holiday club. They receive the same benefits as qualified staff, including clear career paths, flexible working options, team building weekends away and training days.
'Soon after the nursery opened in 2001 we decided that vocational training is an ideal way for the staff members to get "hands-on" experience while also learning the underpinning knowledge of childcare,' says Ms Brock.
'Our very first apprentice has progressed from being a nursery assistant to a team leader of our large baby room, responsible for 15 staff members. Her passion for training has been the driving force behind her desire to become an assessor to the apprentices.'
In 2007 The Ark developed its own Childcare Academy, in association with local training provider Calderdale College. Accredited NVQ training is offered on site, so employees can train in a friendly and familiar environment. It has proved particularly successful in encouraging mature students to gain qualifications.
Ms Brock says, 'We are now operating with over 90 per cent of our childcare staff qualified or in training. This significantly exceeds Ofsted's requirement for 50 per cent.
'To promote training our childcare and training manager spends time with each employee to determine their aspirations and interests.'
The Ark is a finalist in the Learning & Skills Council's National Apprenticeships awards.
FURTHER INFORMATION
See the prospectus at www.apprenticeships.org.uk/ About-Us/Apprenticeships-Expansion.aspx
