"The benefits for ELATT are a skilled and loyal workforce. As apprentices become highly skilled, they also become dedicated and highly motivated. Apprentices are flexible, growing with the workplace, working effectively and without distractions. They become very loyal to the company, so are a great asset to the workplace."

"Hiring an Apprentice means you're giving an opportunity to someone to show you what they do know, if anything. We've grown in different ways, new ideas have been infused into the team and there is a new freshness and diversity to how we do things. So actually you're not giving your time, you're really gaining quite a lot from having someone come and join you. We've grown since taking on an Apprentice and certainly that person has gone on to become a very important part of the team; creating new systems and bring new ideas to the workplace that I wouldn't have gained from the team that we already had."

"Opus 2 worked with ELATT in late 2016 to take on and train an Apprentice within its IT department. After going through the process of selecting the right candidate for the role, Opus 2 has found a dedicated, ambitious and self-motivated individual who has enhanced its first and second line IT support function. In return, Opus 2 is offering an excellent opportunity to learn on the job, which, combined with the academic learning provided by ELATT, will ensure that the Apprentice will get well-rounded training, benefiting both the Apprentice and Opus 2 as he gains more experience. As an SME, this has been Opus 2’s first experience of employing an apprentice. From an Opus 2 point of view, the experience has so been so positive that other Opus 2 departments (in additional to IT) are looking at employing apprentices in the near future."

An Apprenticeships lasts at least 12 months and includes Bespoke Vocational Training Delivered both on-the-job – in the workplace – and at our training centre. Your apprentice will follow a flexible, bespoke training package negotiated with you to best meet your long-term business needs.

• Technical certificate - underpinning subject knowledge
• Competence certificate - workplace assessment

A non-accredited unit ensuring your new member of staff fully understands their rights and obligations in the workplace.

Trainees will work towards GCSE A*-C in English and maths if they do not already have it, usually through a Functional Skills programme.

A non-accredited unit ensuring your new member of staff fully understands their rights and obligations in the workplace.

The Apprentice National Minimum Wage can be found on the goverment's website for wage in the first year of the programme. After this National Minimum Wage rates apply. You can of course pay your Apprentice more than the minimum rate, and you may be able to secure a government subsidy of £1,500 through the Apprentice Grant for Employers scheme to help you with the cost.

Apprentices who are aged 16-18 at the start date of the programme are fully funded by the Skills Funding Agency. For over 19s, you may need to make a contribution to the cost of workplace visits; training and assessment; support; study packs; registration and certification, ranging from £1,500 to £3,500.

Level 2
Intermediate - Equivalent to GCSE A*-C

Level 3
Advanced - Equivalent to 'A' Level

Level 4
Higher - Equivalent to HNC / First Degree Year