| FSB calls for more support for apprenticeships |
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| Written by admin | |
| Sunday, 10 August 2008 | |
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The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling for greater awareness and access to financial support for smaller firms taking on apprentices. Responding to a consultation on National Minimum Wage (NMW) exemptions for apprentices, the FSB today told the Low Pay Commission that trainees should be paid the same as 16-18 year olds in ordinary employment but called for better support to ensure training completion rates are vastly improved. A recent FSB survey revealed that only 5% of respondents were aware that compensation was available for giving apprentices time off to train; 78% of members said they would employ apprentices if there was financial support on offer from the government while 82% backed raising the wage of an apprentice from its current level. Colin Willman, FSB Education and Skills Chairman, said: “The FSB believes in apprenticeships and their value to the economy which is why exemptions from the NMW are not critical to small businesses. The NMW levels for apprenticeships must be the same as a 16-18 year old in ordinary employment, an increase in completion levels are of the greatest concern. “Small businesses place great value on an apprenticeship and are prepared to invest in them. But they are often impeded by lengthy administration and the costs of providing training. Many are not aware about wage contribution for time off to train. Mr Willman continued: “We would like to see greater efforts to make small businesses aware of financial support for providing training and a reduction in the bureaucracy to receive it. This should enable employers to tell the next generation of apprentices, ‘You’re Hired’.” |
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