Supporting Apprentices for a better future

With the challenges facing the motor industry in the present economic climate, the Careers Team at the IMI have been working to offer advice and solutions to the sector. There has been an increase in the number of apprentices being made redundant, resulting in apprentices left with partial qualifications and no work placement to complete them.

We believe that, wherever possible, apprentices should be given the opportunity to complete their qualifications. We’re asking for the support of training providers and colleges, who deliver apprenticeship programmes, and employers, who can provide the necessary work placements, to help us achieve this.

What can the IMI do to help?

• If you’re an apprentice and out of work, we can advise you on your next steps
• If you’re a training provider or college, we can advise you on how to help redundant apprentices and where you can go to establish links with employers in your area
• If you’re an employer, we can advise you on where you can find apprentices and ways in which you may be able to stop potential redundancies being made

Are you an apprentice facing redundancy?

Contact us today and we’ll advise you on the steps you can take to help you continue your qualification. For example, one option could be to convert your apprenticeship into a full-time training programme, where you may become eligible for EMA (Educational Maintenance Allowance) and in some cases Income Support.

You should also visit the National Apprenticeships Vacancy Matching Service at http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/. All you’ll need to do is enter your location details and you’ll be matched with employers and training providers in your area.

Are you a training provider or college?

We can advise you on how to deal with the issues related to redundant apprentices, as many apprentices will have already completed some of their qualification and have workplace experience.

Are you an employer?

By taking on an apprentice, you could be looking at a future employee.

The Government recently announced measures to direct financial assistance to employers that provide apprentice placements. This will allow you to contribute to skills development by offering a work placement for apprentices who already have a foundation knowledge in one of the industry’s sub sectors.

Whilst working for you, an apprentice will not need to be paid, however, work place assessors will need to visit your premises.

If you are interested in offering an apprenticeship placement, please call our Careers Team immediately on 01992 511521.

You should also visit the National Apprenticeships Vacancy Matching Service at http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/ where you can enter your location details and be matched with apprentices and training providers in your area.

If you are considering making an apprentice redundant, then please contact us as soon as possible, as we may be able to offer advice to avoid this situation occurring.