The Lancashire and Cumbria IoT is committed to providing the highly skilled workers your business needs.
We’re working closely with employers to train a skilled workforce that meets the needs of industry, now and in the future. We equip learners with the skills businesses tell us they need in the areas of engineering, manufacturing, automotive, cyber and digital, construction, health and medical, and science.
Our top-quality, higher-level technical education and apprenticeships help plug local skills gaps, raise productivity and transform opportunities for local people. Put simply, we provide high-quality training opportunities that create employees to make an immediate impact on your business.
We know the landscape is evolving constantly and that means the skills we teach need to evolve too. Collaboration will ensure we can grow the economy together and all benefit both now and in years to come.
Whatever your size, we can work with you to address your skills gap and build a pipeline of talent for the future. When your business prospers, the region benefits.
We can work with you to design training that ensures your employees develop the specialist skills needed for your business.
We can also offer advice and guidance on the different levels of training and funding mechanisms available when considering upskilling or reskilling your current workforce or taking on new recruits.
We also offer short training programmes to upskill your workforce and can work with you to deliver apprenticeships.
Benefits of hiring an apprentice
An apprenticeship is a technical course which is predominately taught in the workplace and accompanying study. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom-based learning, allowing people to gain skills and qualifications while working. Typically, 80% of time will be spent in the workplace with 20% in a classroom setting, but will depend on the nature of the apprenticeship.
Depending on the level of study and the industry, an apprenticeship could take between 12-48 months to complete. Apprenticeships are available to all businesses – from the self-employed, to SMEs to large multi-national companies across all sectors.
Apprenticeship funding:
In 2024, UK apprenticeship funding operates through two main mechanisms: levy-paying employers and non-levy employers.
Here’s an overview:
Levy-Paying Employers
Non-Levy Employers
Co-Investment: These employers previously contributed 5% of the apprenticeship costs while the government covered 95%. From April 2024, the 5% contribution is being scrapped for apprentices aged 16–21, simplifying access to apprenticeships for smaller businesses.
Requirements:
Your apprentice must:
Hiring your apprentice
There are several steps to taking on an apprentice:
Contact the IoT if you need advice on apprenticeships. We’ll put you through to our employer engagement teams who can discuss your needs and help you find the right option for your business. Email employer@iot.ac.uk
Tom Smith
Chief Executive of Complete
Work with us to nurture the next generation of talent, enhance innovation and productivity within your business, and support economic growth at both local and national levels.
Contact us at employer@landciot.ac.uk to get started.