As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the way that we’re all working and learning has shifted dramatically over the last few months. And this goes beyond lots of us now remote working and children being home-schooled. Apprenticeships are also on the increase, with experts predicting the demand for apprenticeship providers in the North West to double in the coming months.

It comes on the back of recent reports that state that the coronavirus pandemic has prompted an unprecedented wave of young people signing up for apprenticeships, with a number of apprenticeship companies getting double their usual applications.

And this follows the measures unveiled in July by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, to support young people into work. These measures included generous cash incentives to encourage employers to take on and train young people.

In the announcement he stated that, under the Government’s Plan for Jobs scheme, “employers are being offered £3,000 for each apprentice they hire aged between 16 and 18, £2,000 for 19-24 year olds, and £1,500 for those over 25, until January 31, 2021.”

And while the plans in place encourage employers to take on apprentices, the support for apprentices directly is there, too. On 1 August a new online and telephone support service was launched for apprentices who have lost their jobs as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, as announced by Gillian Keegan, the Apprenticeship and Skills Minister.

The service is called the Redundancy Support Service for Apprentices (ReSSA), and it will ensure that apprentices can access local and national services that provide a range of support, including financial, legal, health and wellbeing, and help them find new jobs if they need to. Apprentices can also search and apply for other apprenticeship opportunities across England.

“Covid-19 has had a big impact on business and the jobs market, and we know that some apprentices have lost their jobs or are facing redundancy as a result,” said Gillian Keegan.

She went on to say that the Government was taking unprecedented steps to protect, support and create jobs to help people develop the right skills to get into work and progress, including high quality apprenticeship opportunities, which will not only support apprentices themselves, but help to get the economy moving in this challenging coronavirus climate.

Gillian Keegan further stated that the new Redundancy Support Service for Apprentices will “make sure those who have lost their jobs can get the help and support they need to get back on track and on the path to a new career.”

The new service also sits as a platform for employers to advertise their apprenticeship vacancies, and employers who have apprenticeship opportunities up for grabs and who are willing to take on a ‘redundant apprentice’ are being urged to sign up to help the right people find the right jobs.

It will work as a digital platform between employer and apprentice, so the people who are looking for new opportunities can then see what is on offer, get support to apply, and kick-start a new career, all in one place. Click here to find a redundant apprentice.

If you’re looking for apprenticeship providers in the North West, get in touch with our team today.