National Apprenticeship Week

As National Apprenticeship Week draws to a close, it is good to pick out some key themes.

There have been some really interesting (and most importantly) well attended events in the area. What seems clear is that apprenticeships represent a viable solution for businesses prepared to invest time and training into their workforce.

The advantage seems clear, train and mould an individual to suit the anticipated needs and requirements of your business.

Following a change in the law, it is important to ensure that you have in place a suitable apprenticeship contract at the outset. Similarly, it is also important that your policies and procedures are adequate in the context of an apprentice.

The Apprenticeship, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 ("ASCLA") introduced a change in status for apprentices in 2012. Under the old common law regime, it was only certain circumstances that would allow an employer to terminate an apprenticeship earlier than its anticipated end date. Provided that an employer's apprenticeship contract complies with the changes introduced by ASCLA, the employer will benefit from the change in status which allows far broader rights in terms of early termination.

Similarly if you have any questions generally relating to recruiting an apprentice and the necessary contractual documents please contact me.

This article is for general guidance only. It provides useful information in a concise form. Action should not be taken without obtaining specific legal advice.