This document provides information about an employer skills programme run by GKN that supports apprenticeships within their small and medium enterprise supply chain. Through a government-funded programme, GKN offers opportunities for supply chain businesses to access funding to recruit and train level 3 apprentices at no cost. GKN's dedicated training advisors will mentor and support apprentices throughout their training to achieve nationally recognized qualifications tailored to each business's needs. The programme aims to develop skilled workers and help supply chain enterprises improve productivity and competitiveness.

1. Employer Skills Programme
GKN Supporting Apprenticeships within our SME Supply Chain

2. This project has been partly supported by HM Government with Employer Ownership funding
DO YOU WANT TO UPSKILL YOUR BUSINESS?
At GKN we are passionate about apprenticeships and see real
benefits in our business by training and developing talent through our
apprenticeship training programmes.
Apprenticeships bring many tangible and measureable benefits to you
and your business. They bring enthusiastic, and motivated people into
your workforce, which demonstrates your commitment to investing in
your people to your employees, your stakeholders and your
customers.
Apprenticeship programmes are designed to help develop your
employees to ensure they reach the required level of competency and
performance.
At GKN, we offering you the opportunity to access support for your
business to recruit and train Level 3 Apprentices.
Through the AGP Employer Ownership of Skills Programme, and
working in partnership with an approved training provider, we are able
to access fully funded training and qualifications, enabling the
development of employee skills within our small and medium-sized
supply chain enterprises.
This programme is financed by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) so
training is at no cost to your business.

3. This project has been partly supported by HM Government with Employer Ownership funding
What Does an Apprenticeship Entail?
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships refer to on-the-job training leading to nationally
recognised qualifications, developed by industry. You as an Employer can
bring new talent into the business whilst accessing government funding,
and develop their skills and productivity with your business needs.
What are my responsibilities as an employer?
An Employer must give the apprentice an induction into their role and
provide on-the-job training. As with all employees, Employers are also
responsible for the cost of wages to the apprentice.
What are the cost to me as an employer?
Like all employees, apprentices must still receive a wage. The National
Minimum Wage for apprentices is £2.73 per hour. However, as skills
develop, many employers tend to increase wages – in fact; research has
found that apprentices earn on an average of £170 net pay per week or
£10,500 pa. On-job support and mentoring will need to put in place to
support the apprentice. However the National Apprenticeship Service will
match employer’s commitment to hiring the apprentices by covering in full,
or in part, the training cost.

4. This project has been partly supported by HM Government with Employer Ownership funding
Benefits
Apprenticeships bring many tangible and measureable benefits to you and your business:
Demonstrate cost savings
− Apprenticeships deliver financial return, helping you to improve productivity and competitiveness. Training apprentices can also
be more cost effective than hiring skilled staff, leading to lower overall training and recruitment costs.
Home grown future leaders with the right skills
− Apprenticeships deliver skills designed around your business needs providing the skilled workers you need for the future. They
also help you develop the specialist skills you need to keep pace with the latest technology and working practices in your sector.
Not just for new recruits
− Apprenticeships are not restricted to new recruits; any existing member of staff who meets the eligibility criteria can access
funding to support their training and professional development. We will work with you to improve their capability by tailoring the
training to meet the complexities and constraints of their role in your business within the framework.
Motivate your workforce
− Apprentices are usually motivated, enthusiastic individuals who are eager to learn. They have made an active choice to pursue
‘on the job’ learning and are committed to their chosen career. Investing in them now will reap rewards for the future as you grow
your own new talent equipped with skills that are tailored to match the specific requirements of your business.

5. This project has been partly supported by HM Government with Employer Ownership funding
How Will GKN Support You?
Support with your recruitment process
Support with training to achieve Level 3 Qualifications
GKN’s dedicated team of experienced training advisors will support you and your apprentices
throughout their apprenticeship journey, to achieve their full potential.
Working in partnership with an approved training provider that best suits your requirement and provides
specialist skills training, tailor-made for your Apprentice/s.
One of our Training Advisers will be appointed as a mentor – to offer advice and support with any issue
– work or study based - weekly college visits during the first 9 months will track progress and provide
you with monthly feedback
Our Training Adviser will have continued responsibility for the apprentice in the 2nd and 3rd year – your
apprentice will continue to attend college on a day release basis
GKN will support with added value training around Business Improvement Techniques (BIT)
If your business is not able to support a required area of competency, GKN will support a structured
training rotation programme within our facility over 2 weeks.
Initial Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided.
If you have under 50 employees – additional AGE programme benefits are available, if you meet the criteria.

6. This project has been partly supported by HM Government with Employer Ownership funding
L3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Year 1
(College)
Year 2 Year 3
Academic Level 2
Certificate – Business
Improvement Training
(BIT) unit
Technical Certificate L3
Performing Engineering
Operations PEO Units –
Business Improvement
Training (BIT) unit
L3 NVQ Extended Diploma,
Trade Specific (L3) whilst working on site
Employment Rights and Responsibilities Personal Learning And Thinking
(ERR’S) Skills (PLT’S)
L2 Functional Skills:
Literacy,
Numeracy,
ICT
Broad based business rotation
(Up to 2 weeks rotation at GKN) Final Department Specialisation
within your business

7. This project has been partly supported by HM Government with Employer Ownership funding
Examples of Target L3 Apprentice Roles
Metallic Aircraft Fitter
Welding and Fabrication
Machining
Composite Operator/Fitter
Engineering Technical Support
 Measurement and Control Technician
 CAD Draught person
 Quality
 Technical Support Engineer
 Metrology Inspector

8. This project has been partly supported by HM Government with Employer Ownership funding
Further Information
What do I do next?
Please forward this presentation on to your own Supply Chain.
Want to know more?
Email beverly.walker@gknaerospace.com or call 07827254910

9. This project has been partly supported by HM Government with Employer Ownership funding
Useful links:
http://www.gkn.com/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.cityofbristol.ac.uk/Pages/Home.aspx
https://www.gov.uk/further-education-skills/apprenticeships
https:
b//www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/38
8156/AGE_Employer_Fact_Sheet_Dec_14_.pdf