Benefits To Employers
Keep it simple
It has been set up to help employers who want to support the development of skills while working on regional contracts, but are not in a position to offer a full term apprenticeship, and who wish to support training the future workforce.
Benefits To Apprentices And Industry
Help the future
The Shared Apprentice Limited allows apprentices to complete a full apprenticeship programme by working with a number of different employers, to gain the skill set they require to become qualified.
Getting involved in the SAL allows employers to flexible access the benefits of supporting apprentice training. The Scheme allows employers to take on an apprentice, for a short duration, with no long term commitment. Apprentices work with a range of employers throughout the duration of their apprenticeship. SAL has close links with public sector procurement and is provides an excellent route for employers to give something back to the local community whilst fulfilling their contractual obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Shared Apprentice Limited (SAL).
Administration and Additional Information
Q. How do I pay for a Shared Apprentice?
A. Employers will be invoiced for the time the apprentice has worked with the employer in by SAL monthly in arrears in accordance with the arrangements agreed at the beginning of the placement.
Q. Will I receive CITB grant for my part in training the Apprentices?
A. No, CITB grant will be received SAL and is used to will off-set the cost of employing apprentices and the time that they spend at college completing their training.
Q. Will community benefit clauses be met by participation in the Shared Apprentice Programme?
A. Yes, the programme is recognised as a legitimate and sustainable way of increasing training and contributing to community benefit clauses.
Apprentice Recruitment
Q. Who will recruit the apprentices and do employers play a part in the recruitment?
A. The recruitment process and appointment process is managed by SAL, applications are encouraged from young people that have already completed a relevant course, such as a pre apprenticeship program at school or college.
Q. Who is the employer of the apprentice?
A. SAL is employer for the entire duration of the apprenticeship.
Q. What happens to the apprentice at the end of their apprenticeship?
A. There is no obligation to employ an apprentice at the end of the apprenticeship. The reality is that many are employed directly by the host employer during the apprenticeship or following graduation.
Q. Who insures the apprentice in case of e.g. an accident on site?
A. If an apprentice is on placement with a host employer, the host employer must have the appropriate insurances in place. Providing confirmation of insurances will be required as part of the employer eligibility check before the start of any placement.
Role of the Employer
Q. How many weeks would an apprentice be on our site for?
A. This is flexible, and to be agreed. Trial periods are in place for all placements to allow the employer and the apprentice to familiarise.
Q. What if an apprentice does not show up on site for a day’s work. What should I do?
A. Report the absence to SAL.
Q. What if an apprentice is off-sick or unable to attend due to bad weather?
A. SAL are responsible for the wages and payment of Statutory Sick Pay in all circumstances where the apprentice is unable to attend work.
Role of the Shared Apprentice Limited
Q. Who is responsible for any disciplinary action if/when required?
A. SAL is responsible for handling all employment matters including disciplinary and grievance.
Q. What are the pay, terms and conditions for the apprentice?
A. The terms and conditions of apprentices are set by the relevant industry groups, such as SBATC and the SJIB. All other terms are set by SAL.
Q. How is apprenticeship supported?
A. SAL have a full time coordinator that provides support to the employer and the apprentice. CITB also have a dedicated Apprenticeship Officer for the Shared Apprentices and Dundee & Angus College have Development Officers that support the apprentice with their portfolio.
Q. Who provides the apprentice with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
A. SAL provide each apprentice with PPE, employers can choose to also issue their own branded PPE
Q. Will the apprentice come equipped with tools?
A. The SAL will provide a starter hand tool kit at the start of the apprenticeship. The Apprentice has access to a one-off payment towards power tools and also a zero interest repayment scheme.