There are almost a quarter of a million Apprenticeship places at present, but the number of technical insurance and financial advice Apprenticeships is very small - between 750 and 1000.

Now is a good time to be investing in Apprenticeships - the Comprehensive Spending Review of October 2010 saw a pot of up to £250m set aside for adult Apprenticeships between now and 2014/5.

In addition, with may students likely to miss out on university places or simply choose not to go for financial reasons, Apprenticeships should form part of a company's recruitment and retention strategy.  Employers pay nothing for the Apprenticeship when the Apprentice is aged 16-18 years when they begin the scheme.  Funding is also available for all other Apprentices and the programme is delivered by external providers, leaving you free to focus on the day-to-day running of your business.

The CII Group and Apprenticeships

The CII has made a commitment to actively support Apprenticeships in the wider financial services sector; we work closely with Apprenticeship providers and employers to bring together supply and demand. Although the CII does not provide Apprenticeships, there are CII units and qualifications which form part of the Apprenticeships described below.

We supply information and guidance to those who want to know more about Apprenticeships and are able to put firms and individuals in contact with providers. We also accredit Apprenticeship providers and there are a number who have gained CII Accredited Provider status, and therefore found it easier to engage with companies. 

Companies interested in offering Apprenticeships can use the Discover Risk website as part of their promotional campaign.

Those wishing to become an Apprentice should visit the Apprenticeship Vacancy Matching Service website.

For further information contact: Caspar Bartington at Caspar.Bartington@cii.co.uk