The benefit to the employer

There are many benefits for the employer but here are just some of them:

• Apprentices provide value to the business more quickly through the unique condensed programme
• Saving recruitment costs (typically £2,500 / new employee)
• Free training and development (approximately £9,000)
• Bringing new ideas into the company and creating a culture of staff development
• Nurturing home grown talent
• Filling the age related skills gap and enabling succession planning
• The management of the Apprenticeship supported by external experts
• Support and guidance for your staff development programme by experts
• Working with a cohort of local Partners when possible
• Supporting UK plc – Fully in line with government strategy of all parties
• Proven success through a pilot programme
• The shortened programme has proved to be less of a strain on internal processes

Costs to the employer

Beyond the salary for the apprentice, the costs to the employer are minimal compared to the benefits:

• Salary at a minimum of £120 / week (£150 min London)
• Management fee of £750

Programme Format

Once the employer has been engaged by IT Skills Management Company, the training providers will find the appropriate apprentice for the employer.  Alternatively, the employer can find their own apprentice although the self-recruited apprentice will need to pass the entrance requirements so that the quality of the apprentices remains at a very high level.

The Microsoft Partner Apprenticeship Programme has 3 versions – Technical Support, Technical Sales & Developer.