Employing an apprentice is an essential part of providing a constant and correctly trained source of skills and labour and is a productive and effective way for any business to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce within your business. Apprenticeships are a tried-and-tested way to recruit new staff, re-train or upskill existing staff and are a key focus in battling an ageing workforce.

Up to 100% funding could be available to support the apprenticeship training programme and additional grants and incentives may also be available to businesses actively recruiting apprentices. Apprenticeships ensure the workforce includes the practical skills needed for the business in the future. You can employ an apprentice who is aged 16 upwards, and there’s no age cap on apprenticeships and funding.

The figures speak for themselves on this – government statistics state 78% of companies reported improved productivity after taking on an apprentice and 74% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve the quality of their service. With a dedicated floorlayer apprenticeship standard and a specific Contract Flooring Training Guide released every year highlighting all apprenticeship opportunities and funding it has never been easier to recruit for the future. Shaun Wadsworth, CFA