Apprenticeship schemes have been cut back by the pandemic, but many employers say they plan to resume recruitment as soon as possible
When the coronavirus sent Britain into lockdown last March, John Collings had to tell half of his staff to stay at home. The boss of Online Lubricants, a commercial oils supplier based in Barking, Essex, furloughed 26 of his team, including two apprentices.
“Business dropped considerably, but we were fortunate not to close completely,” John says. “We encouraged our apprentices to keep training online with Harlow College, and we extended their apprenticeship period so they can complete their studies. After lockdown, we got everyone back to work who wanted to come back.”
