Now the time to invest in apprenticeships

North West businesses should be bold and invest in apprenticeships, according to @phxtraining

Briony Fawcett of PHX Training, which has centres across Lancashire and Cumbria, says the government’s new kickstart scheme can support businesses looking to grow after the lockdown.

From August 1, businesses will be paid £2,000 for each new apprentice hired under 25, and £1,500 for any new apprentices over 25. The scheme is in addition to the existing £1,000 grant that the government offers to business who take on young apprentices between 16 and 18.

According to Briony, apprentices are proven to help businesses grow.

She said: “The Government is right to invest in apprenticeships, as studies show that they can help businesses return to growth. Apprentices are not just an extra pair of hands, but they can offer a fresh outlook to a business as they study for their qualifications and learn their trade within your company.

“Apprentices not only create a dynamic workforce but they also tend to have a greater loyalty to the firm who hired then, meaning better staff retention and possibilities for internal promotions, reducing recruitment costs in the long run.”

PHX Training delivers government-backed initiatives, adult skills, NEET (not in education, employment or training), employability contracts, apprenticeships and work-based learning programmes.

The company specialises in apprenticeship qualifications in business administration skills, offering learners skills for roles such as office executive, office supervisor, membership administrator and personal administrator. Apprenticeships delivered by PHX also include team leading, customer service, hospitality, management and warehousing across the North West.

The PHX team of qualified trainers also offers a diverse range of resources including offline, online and face-to-face services at six training centres in Barrow, Carlisle, Workington, Morecambe, Preston and Blackpool.