You’re an apprentice, and you’ve just been made redundant. What do you do now? We’re here to provide some insight into what might happen if this happens and offer advice on how to cope with the situation should it arise. You’ll be reassured that help will be available for those who need it, and we will also take a look at the support available to you. There is redundancy assistance available.
This article will provide information on what happens if you’re made redundant during your apprenticeship, advice on what you should do in these circumstances and reassure apprentices about the future after redundancy.
Apprenticeships are an excellent way for employers to build a highly-skilled workforce while providing the apprentice with the opportunity to acquire valuable skills and experience on the job whilst earning a wage. However, things don’t always work out as planned. Redundancies are an unfortunate reality of running a business, and apprentices may be one of the first roles employers consider letting go of.
The coronavirus pandemic has led to many people losing their jobs, including apprentices. If this is the case for you, contact your training provider and see what support is available.
What Happens Next?
Apprentices dismissed through redundancy with less than six months left to complete their training or who have completed 75% of their programme can receive funding from the government to continue in their training for at least 12 weeks until they find alternative employment.
An apprentice with less than 12 months to go on their programme can be dismissed through redundancy and then taken on under a different apprenticeship agreement within the company as long as they work and receive training of the same standard they were receiving before redundancy.
Your training provider should provide you with a record of apprenticeship part completion to help you secure future employment and continue your apprenticeship. The record should detail the percentage of the apprenticeship you have completed and a summary of the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed, which will be helpful to your new employer.
In Scotland, employers are bound to common law, contract of apprenticeship. Apprentice redundancy can’t take place in the same way as a standard redundancy procedure. You cannot dismiss an apprentice through redundancy unless the business closes or undergoes a fundamental change in character.
Dedicated Support
The Redundancy Support Service for Apprentices aims to support apprentices who have been made redundant or who feel they are at risk of redundancy.
Financial Support
You may also be eligible to get Universal Credit or other benefits, depending on your situation.
Contact Money Advice Service, National Debt Line or Citizens Advice for budgeting and money advice.
Additional Support
Contact the National Careers Service for information, advice, and guidance to help you make learning, training, and work decisions.
Contact a mental health charity to talk to someone about how you’re coping with redundancy.
