In 2024, we took a bold step by delivering our Modern Apprenticeships (MA) in Social Services and Care Services Leadership and Management without an employer contribution. While this approach allowed us to welcome many eager apprentices, our first-year experience taught us invaluable lessons. As we enter our second year of delivery, we’ve made the decision to introduce a modest employer contribution of £400 + VAT per apprentice. Here’s why this adjustment is not only necessary but ultimately beneficial for both organisations and apprentices. Why Change the Model? 1. Covering Essential Onboarding Costs Our dedicated team members, ensure that every selected apprentice is promptly contacted and guided through a comprehensive two-stage induction process. This personalised approach is vital to setting the right foundation, and the employer contribution helps cover these initial onboarding expenses. 2. Sustaining the E-Portfolio and IT Support After the first stage of induction, apprentices gain access to an E-portfolio alongside IT support services. These digital tools are critical for tracking progress and compiling assessment evidence. The employer contribution supports the ongoing costs associated with these IT services, ensuring all apprentices receive continuous, quality support. 3. Managing FIPS System Annual Charges To access the necessary funding for each apprentice, we rely on the Skills Development Scotland FIPS system. The annual charges for using this system are a cost that the employer contribution helps to offset, making our programmes financially sustainable. 4. Mitigating Engagement Risks Our first-year experience underscored a key challenge: not all employers have the resources to fully support upskilling initiatives, and not every employee is prepared to commit to the rigorous demands of a Modern Apprenticeship. Without an employer contribution, some organisations put forward employees who are either disengaged or overworked—often missing critical 12-week progress reviews. By introducing this contribution, we encourage employers to think carefully about which employees genuinely desire to upskill, ensuring a higher level of engagement and commitment. The Benefits for Employers Fostering Commitment and Collaboration The employer contribution isn’t just a fee—it’s an investment. It signals that your organisation is committed to the development of its employees. With a contribution in place, employers are more likely to collaborate with us to schedule dedicated time for MA progress reviews. We’re only asking for 2-3 hours per week per apprentice, a small commitment that yields substantial benefits. Improved Resource Allocation With financial backing to cover key costs, we can continue to provide essential support within the crucial first 12 weeks—when no external funding is available. This proactive support helps to reduce the risk of apprentices disengaging early or leaving the sector, ensuring that your investment in talent is well protected. Building a Career Pathway and Driving Workforce Development A standout feature of our MA programmes is the clear career pathway they create for apprentices. By investing in the development of your employees through structured upskilling, you enhance workforce retention and nurture talent from within your organisation. This not only improves long-term staff stability but also attracts a new generation of enthusiastic professionals to the sector. By offering a well-defined progression route, your organisation can foster loyalty and continuous professional growth, ensuring a future-ready workforce. Eligibility Criteria for Skills Development Scotland Modern Apprenticeships To qualify for an MA programme through Skills Development Scotland (SDS), the apprentice must meet the following criteria: Be employed in Scotland in a relevant job role aligned with the apprenticeship framework. Meet the age and funding eligibility requirements set by SDS. Have the right to work in the UK and be employed for at least 16 hours per week. Be committed to completing the qualification within the agreed timeframe. Our Commitments, Employer Commitments & Apprentice Commitments Our Commitment as Your Training Provider At Eternal Balance, we are dedicated to: Providing a structured, high-quality apprenticeship programme that meets industry standards. Offering ongoing guidance, progress reviews, personalised support, and Wellbeing support. Assigning a qualified assessor to each apprentice for regular one-to-one meetings. Ensuring access to an E-portfolio and IT support. Advertising apprenticeship vacancies on our social media channels to help employers attract new talent. Employer Commitments Employers play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the apprenticeship programme. By selecting an employee to do an MA programme, employers commit to: Paying the £400 + VAT employer contribution per apprentice. Supporting their apprentice by scheduling 2 hours per week for assessment preparation. Allowing the apprentice to attend mandatory progress reviews every 12 weeks. Assigning a workplace mentor or supervisor to provide on-the-job support new or less experienced Apprentices / employees. Encouraging and motivating apprentices to complete their qualification successfully. Apprentice Commitments Modern Apprenticeships require dedication and commitment from the apprentice. Each apprentice is expected to: Take responsibility for their own learning and progress. Communicate any challenges, or learning difficulties with the assessor Engage actively with their allocated assessor and attend scheduled meetings. Complete assessment tasks and submit evidence within deadlines. Attend progress reviews. Manage their time effectively to balance work and apprenticeship responsibilities. Looking Ahead to 2025 We are incredibly proud of the progress made during our inaugural year and are grateful to the fantastic organisations and dedicated social care professionals who embraced the opportunity our Modern Apprenticeship programmes provided. As we open our intake for 2025, we invite you to make the investment in your organisation’s future by partnering with us. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more engaged workforce. How to Get Started To discuss how our experienced team can help you leverage the benefits of our MA programmes: Complete the MA Enquiry Form and we’ll be in touch. Alternatively, call us at 0141 319 4351 for further details. Embrace the future of upskilling—invest in your employees and your organisation with Eternal Balance LLP.