Apprenticeships are an ideal way to grow your business. We offer a range of apprenticeship programmes that make a real difference to your business.
We currently have more than 1,300 apprentices on programme, across the business community.
We work with over 1000 employers across the region to upskills their workforce through apprenticeships.
93% of our employers agreed that the training delivered by the College had a positive impact on their business.
Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way for any business to grow talent, train your existing staff, and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. There are many benefits to taking on an apprentice, including:
By tailoring the training to your business needs, you can grow your own talent and fill a skills gap efficiently.
An apprentice is motivated and eager to learn and can bring a new energy to your business, which will have a positive effect on existing staff.
An apprentice is making a contribution to your workplace while they are learning and gaining skills on-the-job. They can add value to your business as soon as they start.
If you’re looking for a school leaver with real potential, you can choose the right apprentice for your business from a pool of un-tapped talent.
Apprenticeships are a great way to motivate your existing staff by investing in their development and supporting them in gaining industry specific skills and national recognised qualifications.
Training apprentices can provide you with a skilled workforce for the future and can be much more cost-effective than hiring experienced staff.
Apprentices can bring fresh new ideas to your business and keep your business up-to-date with the latest techniques and technology - increasing your competitiveness, innovation and productivity.
Employing an apprentice can be a real asset to your existing workforce and can support them with their day-to-day workload.
Work placements offer an ideal way for employers to spot talented potential apprentices and employees.
Our Business Development Team can offer you impartial advice and guidance on the Apprenticeship Levy. With years of experience of working with employers, they can support your organisation gain a better understanding and advise you how you can ultilise the Levy for recruiting new talent and upskill your existing workforce.
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The minimum wage for an apprentice of any age is £4.81 per hour
If you employ an apprentice under 19 years of age you will be entitled to a £1000 Employer Incentive Grant. We will process the grant on your behalf and complete all the paperwork.
If you take on an Apprentice age 19 years or over, the Government will pay 95% of the cost of training your apprentice.
Apprenticeship funding can also be used to train your existing staff.
Not all apprentices are inexperienced. An apprentice can be someone who has previously studied at college and gained sector knowledge.
For non-Apprenticeship Levy paying employers (any organisation with an annual salary bill of less than £3 million) the Government will pay 95% of the cost of training an apprentice aged 19 or over.
"Sunderland College is supportive at every level, from recruitment through to study support to both the apprentice and the employer, and this is invaluable in us developing the apprentices."
Managing Director, Ashford Orthodontics Limited
"Employing apprentices has helped with future planning and the growth of the business, whilst remaining competitive."
Social & Economic Manager, Keepmoat Homes
"As an organisation, we’ve always been a big believer in apprenticeships and believe that all businesses, especially manufacturers, have a role to play in helping nurture the workers of the future."
Operating Controlling Partner, Grundfos UK
February 9, 2023
Transform the way you market and promote your business
December 22, 2022
Global automotive supplier Marelli has received special recognition for its ‘Positive Impact on Skills’ from Sunderland College.
December 20, 2022
A leading house builder has strengthened its relationship with Northumberland College through a donation of 10,000 bricks