Don’t Wash Your Hands of Your Apprentices
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation has been challenging for many businesses across Merseyside and the North West. While your apprentices’ training programme may not be at the very forefront of your thoughts during this time, The Learning Foundry’s message is don’t wash your hands of your apprentices!
Given the government’s Job Retention Scheme, with HMRC reimbursing 80% of the wage costs of furloughed employees, it is perfectly understandable that there will be apprentices furloughed, but there is a lot that your apprentices can be doing now, that will ultimately have a very positive impact on your company going forward, including:
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If apprentices continue to learn whilst they are at home, a large proportion of their off-the job training will be complete. This will mean less time off-the-job when they are back in the workplace, meaning more time for being productive for you and your business!
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Learning at home is good for morale and wellbeing, your apprentices will spring back into work when the time comes!
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The skills, knowledge and behaviours that furloughed apprentices will gain from Distance Learning with The Learning Foundry will keep them focussed and engaged to equip them with the ability to drive the business forward once ‘normal’ working habits resume.
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If your apprentices haven’t been furloughed and are still working on the ground, they too can continue to upskill and develop with their programme online and our experienced assessors will ensure this is as non-disruptive as possible.
*If you have furloughed an employee who is undertaking an Apprenticeship and they are receiving 80% of their wage, for training to continue HMRC guidelines must be followed. A link to the guidance is available here.
We have fantastic online learning systems at The Learning Foundry, including Learning Assistant and Google Classrooms, with dedicated content and resources such as videos, blogs and interactive learning material available. Our Tutors and assessors are also working very hard to keep learners engaged with regular video conferencing and telephone contact.
The benefits of keeping faith in your apprentices and providing them with the opportunity to learn today, far outweigh the negatives, so please don’t wash your hands of apprentices. Your business will reap the rewards when the current situation comes to an end.
Should you have any questions about your current apprentices with The Learning Foundry, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0300 123 8088 or email us at info@thelearningfoundry.co.uk