Flexi-Job Apprenticeships to Allow Work in Different Companies

New flexi-job apprenticeships will soon be available to allow apprentices to work across several different companies and projects.

Up to 1,500 apprentices will be recruited on the government’s new flexi-job apprenticeship scheme, which will allow people to complete short placements across sectors such as construction during their apprenticeship, opening up a new paid training route to a career in the industry.

Flexi-Job Apprenticeships

Some sectors with flexible employment patterns and short-term roles have previously found it harder to take on an apprentice. Apprenticeships are at least 12 months long, and apprentices need guaranteed employment and pay for that whole period. The new scheme will put an end to this by using agencies that can act as employers and place apprentices on projects in different companies.

Almost £5 million has been awarded by the government to support employers to offer the flexi-job apprenticeship scheme and support recruitment of apprentices.

Now an apprentice working in construction could fulfil several contracts – such as working on both home refurbishments and bigger infrastructural projects – and earn while they learn.

National Apprenticeship Week

The announcement, which coincides with National Apprenticeship Week, forms part of plans to increase apprenticeship numbers in key sectors such as construction

Secretary of State for Education Nadhim Zahawi said: “Gone are the days when apprenticeships are restricted by a one-size fits all approach.

“New flexi-job apprenticeships will not only help to deliver the skilled workforce needed to support a diverse range of sectors to grow, but it will create even more exciting opportunities for people to secure a great career.”

Following a rigorous application process, a total of 15 organisations have been approved by the government to establish Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agencies. The agencies will recruit and employ apprentices and place them with host businesses to work on a range of exciting projects, so they gain the skills and experience in previously untapped industries.

Dermot McGinley, CEO of one of the Felex-Job Apprenticeship Agencies, McGinley Support Services, said: “The flexi-job apprenticeship scheme will boost the workforce just when we need to create a legacy of future skills to deliver the UK’s National Infrastructure Strategy. McGinley is delighted to be asked to help deliver those apprentices and support their development.”

The first apprentices are expected to start their flexi-job apprenticeship placements from late February.

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