Agricultural Businesses Urged To Show Support For Apprentices

Agricultural businesses across England are being urged to show their commitment to Apprenticeships by displaying a new badge on their websites or stationery.

The Apprenticeship employers badge, which was launched today, has been developed in response to consumer demand. Recent research, commissioned by the National Apprenticeship Service, showed that 64% of consumers would use a register enabling them to choose a business that hires apprentices and over 80% of people are more likely to use a business if it offers Apprenticeships to young people.

Once an organisation has put the badge on its website, its logo will in turn be placed on the Apprenticeship website ensuring their customers can see they support young people. With 4,500 apprentice starts last year, the agriculture sector is really set to benefit from this new initiative.

Simon Waugh, Chief Executive of the National Apprenticeship Service said:

I am pleased to announce the launch of the Apprenticeship badge for employers and businesses. Recent research shows a high majority of consumers prefer businesses who take on apprentices and this is a great way for those businesses to show their commitment.

The badge scheme will demonstrate which businesses support young people through offering Apprenticeships and will provide a service for consumers to choose. The scheme will add to the numerous benefits apprentices bring to a business.

The badge, supported by the British Chambers of Commerce and which can be used by all employers who take on apprentices, can be displayed on company websites or stationery to highlight their support for young people undertaking this valuable programme. Consumers will then be able to go onto the Apprenticeships website to look at the list of those businesses that are using the badge to communicate their support for Apprenticeships to their customers.

Kevin Brennan, Minister for Further Education, Skills, Apprenticeships and Consumer Affairs, said:

For years, businesses of all sizes have supported young people by offering Apprenticeships and in return, apprentices have contributed to their employers success by increasing efficiency, productivity and providing a sound investment for the future. Apprentices are good for business and now employers can let their customers know they employ apprentices by displaying their support for young people through the Apprenticeship badge scheme.

Iain Wright, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for 14-19 Reform and Apprenticeships said:

We already know some of the real business benefits apprentices can bring to the organisations they work for. In addition, its now encouraging to see consumers are asking for apprentices and choosing to use a business which supports young people over one which doesnt. This consumer choice gives employers another bottom line reason to hire apprentices.

Businesses that hire apprentices can download the badge by visiting apprenticeships.org.uk, clicking on Employers then Employers Badge. Employers who want to get involved in Apprenticeships should call 08000 150 600.

1. National Apprenticeship Service (NAS)

The NAS was announced in January 2008 and officially launched in April 2009. Reporting to the Departments for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), the service will drive forward the Government’s ambition for Apprenticeships. The service aims to bring about a significant growth in the number of employers offering Apprenticeships.

The NAS takes total responsibility for the delivery of Apprenticeships that includes: Employer Services; Learner Services; and a web-based vacancy matching system. This online system enables individuals to search and apply for live vacancies and allows employers, and their training providers to advertise their vacancies to a wide range of interested applicants.

The service has ultimate accountability for the national delivery of targets and co-ordination of the funding for Apprenticeship places. It acts to overcome barriers to the growth of the programme and assumes responsibility for promoting Apprenticeships and their value to employers, learners and the country as a whole.

2. The Apprenticeship badge can be displayed by employers who offer Apprenticeships to young people. It can be downloaded from the Apprenticeship website (www.apprenticeships.org.uk) and employers can discuss the badge scheme with the National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150 600.

Once the employer badge has been added to a company website, an employer must inform the National Apprenticeship Service in order for their details to be added to the National Apprenticeship website and employer register. Consumers can report incorrect use of the badge by contacting the National Apprenticeship Service.

3. 1,835 adults in England were interviewed between 7- 9 October 2009 by YouGov. The three question survey asked consumers about their purchasing decisions with regards to businesses taking on apprentices. The results displayed:

64% of consumers would use a register enabling them to choose a business who hires apprentices.

81% of people would be more likely or would consider using a company who takes on apprentices.

94% think it is important that companies support young people by taking on apprentices in the recession.

YouGov plc is a professional research and consulting organisation, pioneering the use of the Internet and information technology to collect high quality, in-depth data for market research and stakeholder consultation.