Updates to apprenticeships

As an employer of an apprentice who is registered with SIMIAN, we thought now a good time to advise you of a few updates in the world of Apprenticeships!

Reservation of Funds for Employers that do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy

As of 01 June, EFSA made updates to the reservation of funds for employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy. This change enables employers to recruit additional apprentices and provide them with greater flexibility and certainty when planning their apprenticeship programmes. It is made in recognition of the important role SMEs play in creating Apprenticeship opportunities. Employers can now reserve funds for an additional 10 apprentices, meaning SME employers are no longer restricted on Apprenticeship numbers, as they have been historically. Should you wish to recruit additional apprentices, please get in touch with one of the team.

We are now recruiting for the following programmes:

If these dates and programmes are of interest – please get in touch.

Changes to the Scaffolder Apprenticeship Programme

With immediate effect, all learners enrolled on our Scaffolder Apprenticeship programme will be required to attend a 5-day Part 2c training course. This is ‘new’ 5-day element will concentrate on revision to ensure that learners are ready for the End Point Assessment (EPA). It will place a minimum of 4 weeks after completion of the Part 2b. Attendance is a mandatory element of the CISRS programme and is required to ensure that learners receive a CISRS card.

Employers will be notified of Part 2c dates in due course.

CISRS Card Applications

SIMIAN will now apply for first Trainee Scaffolder card after successful completion of the apprentice induction. Apprentice learners are exempt from completing a CSCS test. Cards will be sent directly to the sponsoring employer by CISRS.

SIMIAN will also apply for Part 2 Scaffolder cards for those who successfully complete EPA. Learners must have a CITB HS&E test taken within the previous 2 years, to receive the card. Learners who are approaching EPA and who don’t have a valid CITB HS&E test pass certificate (or equivalent), are able to sit tests at our Warrington & Waltham Forest centres for an additional fee. Please get in touch for more information.

EPA

End Point Assessment attendance is a mandatory requirement of the apprenticeship, and non-attendance will result in the cost of the EPA being recharged to the employer. We request that Learners are reminded that once a date is agreed, they must attend or provide at least 14 days’ notice of non-attendance, so that alternative arrangements can be made. Notice of less than 14 days, whatever the reason, will result in a charge being made.

Are you Paying your Apprentice the Correct Wage?

The national minimum wage for apprentices increased on 01 April 2022.

There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on their age and their stage of progression.

Check you’re paying the right level using the Government’s National Minimum Wage and Living Wage calculator.