Apprenticeships aren’t just for businessess. They can also be an incredibly valuable resource for schools and nurseries looking to grow and develop their teams. Apprenticeships offer access to high-quality training while giving young people a clear path into a fulfilling career in education.

This is where Halifax Opportunities Trust (HOT) Apprenticeships can play a crucial role, helping educational establishments unlock the full potential of apprenticeship schemes.

So what are the benefits for schools and nurseries with apprenticeships?

1. Develop a Skilled Workforce Apprenticeships offer schools and nurseries a fantastic opportunity to develop a highly skilled, motivated workforce. Apprentices can be trained in roles for early years, playwork, SENCO, teaching assistant or school business professional. These training programmes are designed to meet the specific needs of the education sector. This ensures that apprentices gain the skills and experience required to excel in these vital roles.
2. Create Career Pathways for Young People Apprenticeships provide a direct route into the workforce, which is essential in a sector like education. Retaining talented and passionate staff is key. By offering apprenticeships, schools and nurseries can help people not only begin their careers in education but also develop their knowledge and skills further.
3. Address Staffing Gaps and Skills Shortages Like many industries, education often faces skills shortages, particularly in areas such as teaching assistance, special educational needs support, and nursery care. Apprenticeships provide a great solution for schools and nurseries looking to fill these gaps. By developing apprentices internally, schools can tailor training to meet their specific needs.
4. Cost-Effective Training Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to upskill staff without having to rely on expensive recruitment fees. Schools and nurseries can access government funding to cover the majority of apprenticeship training costs, which makes this route particularly attractive. For schools and nurseries that don’t pay into the Apprenticeship Levy there are co-funding options that HOT can help you understand and gain access to.

How Halifax Opportunities Trust Can Help Schools and Nurseries

Halifax Opportunities Trust (HOT) is a key partner for schools and nurseries looking to make the most of apprenticeship schemes. We have extensive experience in the education sector and can offer the support needed to ensure apprenticeships are a success.

Here’s just some of the ways that HOT can assist:

1. Expert Guidance on Apprenticeships HOT can provide schools and nurseries with expert advice on which apprenticeship standards are most suitable for their needs. We will guide you through the process of selecting the right course for your team and can even find the right people.
2. Support with Recruitment Finding the right apprentice is crucial. We can support schools and nurseries with the recruitment process, ensuring that you attract talented candidates that are committed to developing their skills in education
3. Co-Funding and Funding Support HOT helps schools and nurseries navigate the funding options available for apprenticeships. Whether you’re a levy payer or eligible for co-funding, HOT ensures that you can access the right funding and make the most of the financial support available, reducing the burden on your budget.
4. Ongoing Mentorship and Support HOT doesn’t just help with recruitment and training—it also offers ongoing support and mentorship to ensure apprentices succeed throughout their journey. From regular check-ins to performance reviews, HOT provides the support needed to help apprentices grow.

Why Offer Apprenticeships in Education?

Apprenticeships offer schools and nurseries a unique opportunity to develop the next generation of educators while filling vital roles in the sector. By offering apprenticeships, educational settings can create clear career pathways, address skills shortages, and provide cost-effective training.

With the support of experts like Halifax Opportunities Trust (HOT), schools and nurseries can make the most of apprenticeship schemes.

Whether you’re looking to train or hire teaching assistants, early years professionals, special educational need staff or administrative support, HOT is here to help you find the right apprenticeship programme, the right apprentices and gain the right funding you need to succeed. If you want to heat up your workforce with HOT make sure to get in touch by emailing apprenticeships@regen.org.uk.