> Home : Support for the Craft : Trade Training and Development :    Apprenticeships : Masters Page Masters Page Taking On An Apprentice Setting Photographer: Martyn Lello, London Metropolitan University (LMU) Our apprenticeship scheme is designed to encourage the employment and training of young people within the industry by Freemen of the Company. Our aim is to maintain and develop the highest standard of technical and manufacturing skills within the trade. As a Freeman you are potentially eligible for financial support when employing an apprentice in your workshop. From January 2005 all new apprentices will be expected to register for The Goldsmiths' Award. Although reference is made to NVQs it is important to note that this is not a government 'Modern Apprenticeship'. The scheme has been developed specifically to recognise the depth and breadth of the training received by our apprentices. The Licentiateship is the first level of City & Guilds professional qualifications and as such is the equivalent of an NVQ Level 4. To be eligible for support you must be able to demonstrate the following: That you can commit to train your apprentice to a satisfactory standard for a period of three to five years that you agree to enter the apprentice for the C&Gs qualification and provide appropriate support and encouragement for those undertaking the award that you complete all paperwork related to the assessment and performance of the apprentice in relation to The Goldsmiths' Award and bursary scheme that you agree to release the apprentice for all reasonable additional training identified through the assessment process That your workshop is safe and complies with the Health and Safety at Work Act That appropriate insurances are in place That you comply with minimum wage requirements and other employment law That you are a Freeman of the Company That your workshop is based in London or the South-East In exchange you can expect a training grant for up to five years; paid on a quarterly basis, in arrears, through a simple application process. This is a charitable contribution to the costs of employing and training an apprentice and therefore zero rated for tax purposes. Other support is also available from the Department. Please contact us for details. Here we provide an illustration of the levels of support available. However, potential Apprentice Masters should contact the Department to discuss their own particular circumstances. Age Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 16 £7,200 £7,200 £7,200 £7,200 £6,000 17 £7,200 £7,200 £7,200 £6,000 £4,000 18 £7,200 £7,200 £6,000 £4,000 £0 19 £7,200 £7,200 £6,000 £4,000 £0 20 £7,200 £7,200 £6,000 £4,000 £0 21 £7,200 £7,200 £6,000 £4,000 £0 For apprentices entering the scheme at the age of 18+ years a maximum of 4 years' support is available. We do not encourage the binding of apprentices beyond the age of 21 and they are therefore seldom funded.   In This Section Trade Training and Development   Information for Schools and Career Advisers Masterclasses and Seminars Apprenticeships Masters Page Professional Development Academic and Industrial Partnerships Competitions, Bursaries and Awards Technical Services Quick Search:   Online database of suppliers, training courses and related services for the jewellery industry visit the portal Browse through the work of over 220 of the UK's leading designer craftsmen or search for a specific piece of jewellery or silver. visit the site Application Form Employing an Apprentice Download Application The above file requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader Want to know more? Technical problem Access our technology portal now! Research proposal First step contact Directorate details here. Technical library View the list of what is available here.