Latest update to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates New rates as of: 1st April 2021

Apprentice NMW rate: £4.30 per hour for under 19s or in the first year of their apprenticeship

16-17: £4.62 per hour

18-20: £6.56 per hour

21-22: £8.36 per hour

New National Living Wage rate for those 23 + over: £8.91 per hour

Hello Employers!

The government has extended the employer incentive scheme for hiring a new apprentice. The scheme, which pays up to £3,000 to employers for each new apprentice hired between 1st  August 2020 and 31st January 2021, has been extended to the end of March 2021.

Employers who hire a new apprentice between August 2020 and the end of March 2021 can claim a payment of £2,000 for apprentices aged 16 to 24, and £1,500 for apprentices aged 25 and over. These payments are in addition to the £1,000 employers already receive for hiring an apprentice who is aged 16 to 18 years old (or is under 25 with an education, health and care plan or has been in the care of their local authority).

Employers who take on a new apprentice will receive the incentive payment in two equal instalments, 50% after the apprentice completes three months of their apprenticeship and the remaining 50% after the apprentice completes one year.

To receive the full payment, the apprenticeship must last for at least twelve months.

The payment can be used in any way the employer chooses including, for example, on the apprentice’s salary. However, employers can only apply for the additional payment for new apprentices if they are registered on the government’s digital Apprenticeship Service.

If you are are an employer who is not yet on the Apprenticeship Service, please contact us on: hello@shearsacademy.co.uk and we will be pleased to assist you to register your business.  

The Shears Academy Team

Hello everyone!

We trust you are all managing to stay healthy and sane during these unusual times, but please call us between Mon - Weds. if you need to talk to us about anything regarding hairdressing training - out of those times, please email intead hello@shearsacademy.co.uk - one of the Shears Team will get back to you as soon as we can.

For any Safeguarding/Preven referalls or advice,  please email Sue on: sue@shearsacademy.co.uk at any time.

Apprentices: Well done everyone for connecting with us for Online learning sessions - Tracey reports some really great examples of work!

Employers: All apprentices are getting on really well with their online learning sessions this time round ... where we feel an apprentice needs more support, we will be in touch with Employers THIS WEEK. Those who have apprentices making outstanding progress will have been notified - so you know who you are - Congratulations!

Clients: We look forward to re-opening the salon again and welcming you, just as soon as it is considered safe to do so.

Everyone: Have a great week, be kind - stay safe!
 

The Shears Academy Team

Hello Everyone!

Hope you are all keeping safe and well, and looking out for those who may need a bit of help.

We remain closed to Apprentices (and clients) and are keeping in contact, supporting and delivering training to our apprentices by online/distance learning. This will be reviewed at the spring half-term in February, we will of course follow governmental guidlines. Please do not hesitate to contact us at the Academy by phone 020 8461 3504 Mon. - Wed. or by email to Tracey, Sue or Pauline at any time, we will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Herewith, links to the latest information on coronavirus (COVID-19) from The Department for Education (DfE) published yesterday: COVID-19 in educational settings for staff, parents and carers, pupils and students on GOV.UK.

Please check GOV.UK regularly for updates. There is also guidance on the apprenticeship service about COVID-19.

With very best wishes

The Shears Academy Team

Wishing all our Apprentices, Employer training partners and clients a very Happy & Healthy New Year 2021!

The team will be back at the Academy from Monday 4th Jan. 2021, please feel free to call us, but due to current Covid-19 restrictions, we will be delivering Online learning to apprentices and students until such time as it is safe to reopen for face to face training and salon hairdressing services. Meanwhile, stay safe, and please watch this space for further updates.

With warmest wishes,

The Shears Academy Team