Are you an employer?

If you are an IT company looking for the next generation of workers, or a young person who loves working with computers, then an apprenticeship could be the answer.

According to the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), the IT industry is expected to grow by 1.1 per cent a year for the next 10 years, meaning that 98,000 new entrants into the industry will be needed each year until 2013.

Apprenticeships could be the answer to finding the next generation of IT professionals. If you are an IT company and perhaps don’t know the advantages apprenticeships offer, here are a few facts: Apprentices train on the job. They can help with your day-to-day workload and put into practice the new skills they acquire while training towards nationally recognised qualifications.

Government funding is available for the cost of training apprentices.

n 100 per cent of the cost of training 16-18 year olds.

n Up to 50 per cent for 19-24- year-olds.

n A contribution to training costs for people over 25 years.

n All you, as the employer, need to pay, is the wage. The average apprentice pay is £170 per week.

The next step is to discuss your exact training requirements with a specialist apprenticeships adviser.

Visit apprenticeships.org. uk or call Bek and Lara on 020 7904 0785/0693 to find out more about how apprenticeships can help your business.

The NAS can provide you with free, independent advice and support.

The NAS also runs Apprenticeship Vacancies – an online system whereby employers and learning providers can advertise and manage vacancies and potential apprentices can search, apply and manage their applications.