Apprenticeships are growing in popularity and esteem, nationally. They are a legitimate, effective and mutually rewarding option for any employer looking to address skills gaps, grow their teams or support the career aspirations of their employees. Halifax Opportunities Trust works with over 20 employers throughout Calderdale to match them with apprentices at all ages and levels.
On this page, you can find information on the apprenticeships we offer, the benefits of apprenticeships for your businesses, as well as how we can support you throughout your apprenticeship journey.
Introducing an apprenticeship program is a positive way to nurture staff, grow skills and retain talent in the education and early years sector.
If you’ve identified a gap in the skillset of your workforce, an apprenticeship can help you address it head on. You can develop your existing workforce or create new apprenticeship opportunities with an apprenticeship scheme, to gain the skills, knowledge and expertise you need for your organisation to thrive. Through an apprenticeship scheme you can shape learning, so their skills are tailored to fit the needs of your business and bridge your skills gap!
Apprentices have a positive impact on productivity for employers. Not only does training help staff to become more competent and proficient in their roles, but an apprentice can take the load off senior colleagues so their focus on key areas of their work, while the apprentice takes care of everyday tasks to work towards their skills competencies. It allows apprentices to learn the key foundations of their trade, while more senior staff can channel their efforts into important projects that bring about that all important ROI.
Offering apprenticeships at various levels means you can nuture talent and retain it. A Level 5 apprenticeship provides a fantastic incentive to existing staff, as well as potential job applicants, enabling you to choose from the brightest and most dedicated applicants. Furthermore, because we often act as a matchmaker for learners to find placements, we can support you in finding a candidate that fits with your culture and values.
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We work with over 20 employers throughout West Yorkshire to match apprentices with work-based settings, and deliver a wide range of additional support.
We’ve been providing apprenticeship training for over 10 years. In this time we’ve met and built strong relationships with a variety of organisations and businesses in the education and early years sector.Â
Though our experience and the knowledge we have built, we have tailored our service to ensure employers receive the following support:
Ensuring you have relevant knowledge of the apprenticeship framework will benefit both you and your apprentice. Our workshops are based on topics relevant to your industry and support you in providing the best environment for your learner(s).
Part of the academic work your apprentice will undertake involves building a portfolio. Much of this involves providing real-world examples to demonstrate applied learning. You will be given access to these, to gain insight into the requirements of the framework and learner progression.
To review all apprentice(s) progress, as well as your own, we schedule annual reviews to celebrate achievements and record areas for improvement.
As we work with a number of employers, we invite you to join our quarterly employer forum that takes place online. Here you can build your network and exchange experiences with fellow organisations delivering apprenticeship programmes.
A better path for building skills and teams in education, childcare and early years
We follow the national standard set out by the government. Maintaining the Matrix Standard for over seven years is one of the ways we benchmark ourselves, as well as being directly
registered with OFSTED as a Good provider.
We work with local employers, education bodies and suppliers to deliver apprenticeships across Calderdale and Kirklees. This means we are dedicated to working with local people and helping them find a match with local employers, offering work-based apprenticeships that suit both parties.
Our team has experience in the fields of training, education and early years, which makes us specialists in the courses we provide. This means we have a deep understanding of the unique challenges, requirements and developments in the industry , so we can keep you up-to-date with any changes that may impact your learning.
Working with us as your preferred Apprenticeship provider not only ensures you have a specialist, local and high-quality training partner, but it supports your ongoing commitment to your CSR or ESG strategy. We have a commitment to provide learning opportunities that build skills for life and employment, as part of our charitable objectives.
As an employer, you can get additional help with funding an apprentice from the government.
The government asks large businesses to pay an Apprenticeship Levy. The purpose of the levy is to encourage large businesses to employ and train staff using apprenticeships. The levy also generates funds to subsidise the cost of apprenticeship training for smaller businesses.
Don’t just take our word for it, we have excellent feedback from learners who have gained qualifications at various levels and specialisms…
“Communication and support for the apprentice is very good and enables all
parties to have a good understanding.”
“IThey listen and model the delivery to meet the needs of the learners and
employers”
“We have worked with Halifax Opportunities Trust for over four years now and have had several learners who have successfully passed their End Point Assessment with over half achieving a distinction.”
Read all about our work with Ravenshall School
Find out what’s happening at Halifax Opportunities Trust, in our teams and about the people we work with
Hanson Lane Enterprise Centre, Hanson Ln, Halifax, HX1 5PG
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Halifax Opportunities Trust is company limited by guarantee and registered in England, number 4089288. Our registered charity number is 1086183. Our VAT number is 890540516.