It's National Apprenticeship Week 2022!

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) runs from 7th-13th February 2022 and aims to celebrate and promote the positive impact apprenticeships bring to employers, individuals, and the economy, spotlighting businesses who are investing in this life-changing education route.

The Government-backed courses are proving to be as popular as ever with businesses looking to hire new talent in their recovery from the pandemic, with over 40% more people starting apprenticeships in the first quarter of 2021/22 than in the same period 2020/21, which is up again from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Apprenticeships benefit everyone involved, particularly in these challenging economic times. Employers get engaged and loyal staff, apprentices get valuable on-the-job training and when it comes to bike shops customers get professionally maintained bikes. Better yet training costs involved with apprenticeships are heavily subsidised, making it an extremely cost-effective means to upskilling your staff.

In England, Cytech training provider Activate Cycle Academy (ACA) deliver the Level 2 Bicycle mechanic Apprenticeship Standard, with Cytech technical training being at the heart of their programme to ensure that all apprentices gain industry recognised qualifications as well as completing their apprenticeship. It offers the perfect mix of learning whilst working and includes the following industry's standard professional qualifications and study modules;

• Cytech theory one (online)
• Cytech technical two
• Cytech technical three
• Functional Skills Level 1 or 2 in English and Maths
• Legal Compliance
• Customer service and advanced selling skills
• Business administration studies plus lots more

In Wales the Welsh Government have said it will invest £366m over the next three years to deliver apprenticeships across the country. The investment will go towards creating 125,000 apprenticeships in Wales.
The Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said it will help support the Welsh Government's commitment to ensure at least 90% of 16 to 24-year-olds in Wales will be in education, employment, or training by 2050.

The Association of Cytech Traders (ACT) along with Cytech, Activate Cycle Academy and other industry players are currently working with the Welsh Government on its development of a Bike Mechanics Apprenticeship for delivery in Wales, with hopes of a positive announcement later this year.

How much does an apprentice cost in England

Training costs involved with apprenticeships are heavily subsidised by the Government (if you don't pay into the apprenticeship levy) - in most cases 95% of the training costs are covered by Government funding, and in some instances this increases to 100% - leaving up to only 5% of the training costs plus the apprentice's salary to be covered by the employer.

As well as the training costs being subsidised, employers hiring apprenticeships are also entitled to various incentives to aid in the employment process, including additional cash grants.

For more information about the costs involved and the financial incentives available to you, visit the Apprenticeships page on the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) website.

There's never been a better time to benefit from an apprenticeship and get you staff professionally trained. For more information about how apprenticeships can boost your business, and to get the ball rolling to hire an apprentice, please contact Activate Cycle Academy on 01865 550324 or at cycles@activatelearning.ac.uk.

Useful links

• Find a shop
  
• Best Small Shops competition
  
• Jobs board
  

If you have any other queries please contact us.