The achievements of Apprentices training with Themis at Burnley College – and the impact they are having on businesses across the region – is being highlighted in ‘Apprenticeship August’, launched this week.
As the employment landscape shifts following Covid-19 lockdown and employers adapt to their ‘new normal’, Themis is celebrating the many benefits that Apprentices bring to the workplace and how they have the skills, knowledge and motivation to lead recovery.
Director of Themis Neil Burrows said:
“Each and every day we hear from Employers about the truly inspirational work our Themis Apprentices are doing in the workplace and we’ve decided to shine the spotlight on that this August. It’s great to share the stories of how they’re truly making a difference, from developing new working practices that improve the bottom line or efficiency for their Employers; from training their colleagues and upskilling the workforce with their latest industry knowledge; to bringing energy and motivation which is more important than ever at this time.
“We don’t hear these stories from the Themis Apprentices themselves, invariably. Being exceptional and giving 100%, innovating and problem-solving is all part and parcel of being a Themis Apprentice – it’s the norm for them! They come from the Employers we work so closely with and how really see the benefits that Themis Apprentices bring to the workplace.”
Throughout August Themis will be bringing its official social media channels and website to life with inspirational stories about the role of Apprentices in a variety of industries and highlighting just some of the forward-thinking, successful employers with whom it works.
There will also be a spotlight on Themis at Burnley College’s own pioneering work in the Apprenticeship training sector, including the launch of the Pre-Apprenticeship Programme. The successful scheme allows those committed to starting their journey to career success via an Apprenticeship route to start their industry-specific training while searching for the ideal opportunity with a leading Employer.
Neil Burrows added:
“Many highly-motivated and dedicated young people are already preparing to start a Pre-Apprenticeship programme this autumn and are excited about working with our industry-expert Trainers and Tutors to gain that initial vital grounding in their chosen specialism. This can only benefit Employers, too, who will be able to recruit a Themis Apprentice who is ‘career-ready’ and able to make an immediate impact on their business.”
Neil Burrows added:
“The majority of Employers have been through a tough time due to Covid-19, there’s no escaping that fact. But now we have an amazing opportunity to work together to forge a successful future: a future in which business benefits from the resilience, the latest industry skills and knowledge and the passion of Apprentices.
“And, there’s truly been no better time to unleash the potential of a Themis Apprentice in your business. It’s a shot in the arm following Covid-19 and, of course, there are the benefits under the Government’s ‘Plan For Jobs’ through which Employers will be offered £2,000 for each new Apprentice aged under 25 they hire, and £1,500 for each new Apprentice they hire aged 25 and over, up to 31 January 2021. This is in addition to the existing £1,000 payment for new 16-18 year-old Apprentices, and those aged under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan.
“Throughout Apprenticeship August – and beyond – we’ll be talking to Employers about what they are looking for in their ideal Apprentice; what are the skills they need and the qualities they look for. We’ll be attending focus groups, round tables and virtual networks to listen to Employers; to make sure their voice is heard loud and clear and remains central to everything we do in helping to transform a school leaver into a #futureboss.”
Themis is encouraging Employers to share their Apprentice stories throughout August and recognise the pivotal role that they play. From Computer Science to Horticulture; from Childcare to Engineering; Construction to Business; Sport to Accountancy, Themis Apprentices are playing their part in the region’s economic recovery. To showcase your Apprentice talent as an Employer, email s.dahmke@burnley.ac.uk.
For a discussion and individual advice about how you can join in Apprenticeship August and recruit the ideal Themis Apprentice to take your business to the next level, email employer@themis.ac.uk or call 01282 733005.
