New Cornwall Apprenticeship Agency Launched to Help Create Jobs

A unique new Apprenticeship agency has been launched in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly that provides bespoke solutions to employers’ staffing needs.

The Cornwall Apprenticeship Agency provides a tailored service that enables companies to improve their productivity and profit by taking on apprentices at a reduced risk to their business. The Agency handles the recruitment and matching process and brokers financial incentives and specialist training packages tailored to each business’s requirements.

Its model is distinctive in that it can employ the apprentice on the company’s behalf and handle the payroll, tax and National Insurance, allowing employers to focus on growing their business.

Already, a number of Cornish firms are reporting positive returns on taking on apprentices through the Agency’s pilot scheme. The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Fowey Harbour Commissioners, South West Lakes Trust and Seasalt are among a number of companies that embraced the chance to expand their workforce through the Cornwall Apprenticeship Agency’s programme of support.

Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant has been able to develop the customer services skills of seven of its staff at its central warehouse through a bespoke Apprenticeship package. The company sees Apprenticeships as a key way to develop its staff, totalling more than 400, and is looking to provide additional opportunities in the future. Its HR Manager Michael Rabone said: “The Apprenticeship package created for us was attractive in its simplicity and efficiency. Its flexibility meant that training delivery could be fitted around the seasonal peaks and troughs of the business. We particularly welcomed the support and expertise in handling the paperwork and delivering the training, which allowed us to concentrate on running the business. The financial incentive was also appreciated.”

“The Apprenticeship package created for us was attractive in its simplicity and efficiency. Its flexibility meant that training delivery could be fitted around the seasonal peaks and troughs of the business. We particularly welcomed the support and expertise in handling the paperwork and delivering the training, which allowed us to concentrate on running the business. The financial incentive was also appreciated.”

Grants of up to £2,275 can be brokered per apprentice. The Agency’s specialist team can help short-list and interview candidates and provide on-going pastoral support during the Apprenticeship. Funded training frameworks are designed specific to suit the level and job role of each apprentice.

Mark Beckett, of the Cornwall Apprenticeship Agency, said: “Our scheme creates the best Apprenticeship arrangement and specialist support available to help businesses fill their skills gaps, motivate their workforce, harness fresh talent and reduce staff turnover. We go the extra mile to help companies achieve their objectives and increase productivity and competitiveness.”

The Cornwall Apprenticeship Agency is a subsidiary of Cornwall Marine Network (CMN) and benefits from the experience of CMN’s leading-edge team of staff who have a proven track record in business support and training.

CMN’s history dates back to 2002 when its marine member businesses identified a skills gap and barriers to training, such as the cost of courses and time away from the office. In response, the Network created a work-based training programme and career pathways into the sector that made it easier for employers to source and up-skill staff.

While CMN is sector-specific for the marine industry, the Apprenticeship Agency provides opportunities for the Duchy’s businesses across the sectors. It offers a wide selection of Apprenticeship frameworks to suit a diverse range of job roles and has a database of talented candidates eager to join the workforce as apprentices.

According to the Government’s National Apprenticeship Service, one in five employers currently hire apprentices to help them through the current economic climate, and more than 80% of such employers agree they make their workforce more productive.

Like CMN, the Cornwall Apprenticeship Agency is a not-for-profit organisation and its surplus is reinvested into the business. It is authorised to trade as an Apprenticeship Training Agency (‘In Development’) by the National Apprenticeship Service and is committed to delivering a high quality standard of service as defined by the Apprenticeship Training Agency Framework.

If you are an employer interested in taking on an apprentice, or are seeking a job that allows you to gain qualifications in your chosen vocation while you earn, call the Cornwall Apprenticeship Agency on 01326 314904 or email info@cornwallapprenticeshipagency.co.uk.

• Posted: October 1, 2012
• By: Tim Bowerbank
• Categories: Latest News