As news of the government’s apprenticeship levy for 2017 hits the press, AvantiGas, specialists in LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) fuel for domestic and commercial markets, has praised the current national apprenticeship programme which has helped it secure full time positions for all 20 apprentices.
The Chesterfield-based firm which employs around 200 staff across the UK, utilises apprenticeship schemes to ensure continuity of its knowledge base and delivery of high customer service. The government’s levy, which is set to be introduced in May 2017, is designed to fund three million places for apprentices in the UK and will be paid for by employers in England with a payroll of more than £3 million.
Trish Thorp, HR and training advisor, said: “We are exceptionally committed to encouraging more young people into an arena which is known to suffer from a skills shortage and as a company we’re investing heavily in the future of this industry by pulling talent into our organisation and focusing on post apprenticeship development.
“We welcome the support the government is offering through the new levy and the plans to increase funding apprenticeships in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The desire to fulfil our customers’ expectations is high among our apprentice community and their success forms a key part of our business strategy, which is to create a workforce of experts, trained to the highest standards with exactly the skills we need.”
A recent survey by the National Apprenticeship Service reveals that 80% of businesses which invest in apprenticeship schemes benefit from a significant improvement in employee retention. Further data from Centre for Economics and Business Research shows that typically, an apprentice can grow a company’s productivity gains by £10,000 a year.
Trish continued: “Our investment combined with the government’s support means we are future-proofing the company and our industry by ensuring, through apprenticeships and our ongoing training and development programmes, that our invaluable knowledge and expertise is passed on through generations to bring true value and benefit for our customers.
“Our internal apprenticeship programme shows what can be achieved and as we look ahead to increasing our talent pool, we welcome the government’s commitment to apprenticeships and recognise our own continued responsibility for creating opportunities for the next generation of employees.”
AvantiGas is currently searching for its next generation of apprentices. To find out about apprenticeship opportunities with AvantiGas, visit: www.avantigas.com/careers