Ethos Public Relations Manchester

21st Century Apprenticeships up for grabs

by Ethos public relations

The Housing e-Academy, which is part of the Virtual College with 580,000 learners, has just launched a 21st Century Apprenticeship Programme, which is free for social housing employers.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of the Housing e-Academy, said: “The 21st Century Apprenticeship package has been developed to streamline the apprenticeship process – from advertising and hiring, to recording and assessing apprentice development. We recognise that some businesses can be put off by the administration of apprenticeship schemes and we are determined to remove this barrier and make the process as easy as possible.”

Earlier this year, the Coalition Government said it was increasing its annual funding for apprenticeships by £250 million. This extra cash – which is on top of the £398 million a year currently available – will be up for grabs by 2014/15 and could deliver 75,000 more apprenticeship places**. It is clear that apprenticeships will become an integral part of many businesses in the future and social housing providers should get involved as early as they can.

Any RSL or ALMO interested in the new 21st Century Apprenticeship Programme should register with the Housing e-Academy and tell them how many apprenticeships they have available. The Housing e-Academy will source a training provider and advertise the apprenticeship. Applicants take an online suitability assessment and are shortlisted for interview.

Once hired, the apprentice, the training provider and the social housing provider have access to an online apprenticeship system where they can view and assess progress.

“The Housing e-Academy is a specialist in the sector and so we are well aware of the issues and demands on your business,” said Chloe.

“We are also uniquely placed as part of Virtual College, to have access to the experience and knowledge of one of the UK's leading providers of total solutions within the e-learning arena. Therefore, we can provide housing organisations with the best in both housing and learning expertise.”

“There is no doubt that a 21st century organisation needs a 21st century apprentice,” said Chloe. “The first organisations to join the programme are going to get the best people, so register your interest sooner rather than later.”

** source - http://www.insidehousing.co.uk/searchResultsEditorial.aspx?qsearch=1&qkeyword=apprenticeships&x=25&y=

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Posted at 25^th October 2011