The CIPP announced yesterday that this scheme would help to create jobs in payroll, bookkeeping and financial administration and support business growth and sustainability, particularly within small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and business systems outsourcers.
From April 2013, UK employers will have to submit PAYE records to the Government in real-time. The CIPP claims this and the impact on pensions due to the introduction of automatic enrolment will create a huge demand for jobs and additional skills.
To address this, the CIPP, with the support of GIF has launched its scheme to provide solutions for businesses in terms of resources and up-skilling to ensure organisations can meet the challenge of these demands.
Lindsay Melvin, CEO at CIPP, told HR magazine: "In recent years, SMEs have struggled and some have gone to the wall because they don't have the necessary skills in financial administration and can't afford to employ anyone who does.
"These apprenticeships will help companies because they only have to pay an apprenticeship wage to employees who come through the scheme."
He added: "We see it as a win-win situation for employer and employee."
Simon Perryman, executive director at UKCES, said: "With the introduction of real time information (RTI) and pensions automatic enrolment, UK businesses, in particular SMEs, will need as much help as possible to adapting to these changes."
Melvin said: "The UK economy is dependent on SMEs and business owners need time to focus on what they are good at. This programme will provide organisations the resource and skills for robust and healthy financial management, enabling businesses to succeed."
