What We Do

The North of Tyne apprenticeship programme is part of NTCA’s ambition for Good Work in the region, which we’re promoting through our Good Work Pledge.

The Combined Authority wants to increase the number of apprentices in areas that are key to our economic growth as set out in ‘Opportunity for All’, the North of Tyne Strategic Skills Plan.

The benefits of employing an apprentice are clear.

• 86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation
• 78% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity
• 74% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve the quality of their product or service[1].

There has been a steady decline in the number of apprentices aged 24 and under over the past few years, we are seeking to address this through the North of Tyne Apprenticeship Hub.

North of Tyne Apprenticeship Hub

The myglobalbridge digital platform is available as part of a two-year Apprenticeship Hub pilot in the region.

The platform was rolled out to secondary/middle schools and six form colleges across the North of Tyne during autumn term 2021.

The secure platform empowers students to showcase their talents to educational institutions and potential employers, to create connections and assist with recruitment of talent through workplace opportunities such as apprenticeships.  It will connect young people in the North of Tyne with opportunities for apprenticeships and workplace training.

Schools and employers who are interested in the myglobalbridge platform please contact  Malcolm Kelly at globalbridge.

To find out more about the NTCA’s apprenticeship aspirations please contact michelle.stone@northoftyne-ca.gov.uk.

[1] https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/employers/benefits-of-hiring-apprentice 

Apprenticeships useful information and links

• Apprenticeships are for anyone aged over 16 and are a valuable way to get the skills they need to improve their chances of getting a better quality job. They are a genuine job and apprentices are employed from the very first day.
• They combine practical training with study. Apprentices work alongside experienced staff – gain job-specific skills – earn a wage and get holiday pay. Time is given for study related to the role, equivalent to one day a week.
• They can take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level; they range from GCSE to master’s degree equivalents.
• Applicants need to be living in England and not currently in full time education to be eligible.

Links for apprentices, parents, guardians, employers, and those advising young people

How to find an apprenticeship?

You can talk to your local college or training provider or apply through the government’s “become an apprentice” site.

Links for employers

The North East Growth Hub has a range of information for employers: Employ an Apprentice

Why should I employ an apprentice?

https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/employers/benefits-of-hiring-apprentice

https://www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice

How can I recruit an apprentice? https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/apprenticeship-vacancies

Transferring your apprenticeship levy to another business

Read the guidance for large employers on how to share any leftover levy with other employers.

Skills Bootcamps

North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) secured £5million in funding from the Department of Education (DfE) to expand the range of Skills Bootcamps across the region from July 2022 to 31st March 2023. This will help over 2,000 people in the North of Tyne access jobs, or progress to better jobs and unlock the life chances these will provide.

In the North of Tyne Skills Bootcamps are available in a range of skills areas aligned to employer demand across the region. Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with a local employer. Skills Bootcamps offer bespoke training solutions to bridge existing skills gaps within high demand sector and place the employer at the centre of training and development.

Skills Bootcamps are delivered in partnership with employers and further education training providers click here to find out more.