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At Solent Business & Skills Solutions, we have always been committed to providing you with the latest information on apprenticeship and skills training programs available across the Solent. Our team has many years of experience working in the skills sector. Our goal is to help you navigate the numerous opportunities for your organisation with the goal of finding the right solution for you or your staff.
An apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines on-the-job learning with classroom instruction. They offer individuals the opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific trade or profession while earning a wage. The length of the program varies, but it typically lasts between one and four years. Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider.
Solent Freeport and the Solent Growth Partnership have launched a new Apprenticeship Incentive Programme to help small and medium-sized businesses recruit apprentices for the first time. This programme will create opportunities for young people previously not in education, employment or training (NEET).
A T Level is a kind of qualification available for 16 to 19 year olds that takes two years to complete. It was created with help from leading businesses and employers to teach you important knowledge and skills. T Levels are similar in difficulty to three A Levels. You’ll spend most of your time in the classroom, but you’ll also spend some time (about 20%) working for an employer for at least 9 weeks. This means you’ll learn what it’s really like to work in your chosen field while studying.
A skills bootcamp is a free, intensive training program lasting up to 16 weeks, focusing on industry-specific skills. These bootcamps provide practical experience and employability skills for high-demand sectors. Unlike traditional courses, they are modular and flexible, emphasising hands-on learning with real-world projects and industry placements. Not all bootcamps offer regulated qualifications, so check the details. If included, the qualification level depends on the provider and course. All bootcamps are accredited or aligned with industry standards.
Work experience is an opportunity for a student to spend a period of time outside the classroom, learning about a particular job or area of work. By offering work experience, you can help students to gain a better understanding as to what employers are looking for in potential candidates for a job role. As well as helping them develop communication skills and growing their self confidence.
To Become an Apprentice you must Be 16 or over, not be in full-time education and live in England.
The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £6.40 per hour.
Apprenticeships take 1 – 4 years to complete. The minimum duration is 12 months.
As an apprentice, at least 20% of your normal working hours must be spent on training.
Employers that don’t pay the apprenticeship levy pay 5% towards the cost of training.
Apprenticeships are available in a range of levels from Level 2 (GCSE) up to Level 7 (Degree).
If you want to learn more about how apprenticeships and other skills training could benefit your business, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Our team of advisors are on hand to give you the best solution for your organisation.
Why not also join one of our Skills Webinars. This webinar is designed to give you a detailed introduction into the world of apprenticeships and skills. They’ll also be an opportunity to have any of your questions answered. To sign up to our latest skills events, head to our Events Page.
