The national apprentice service states “hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce”. 86% of employers support this view, saying apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation and 78% of employers say apprenticeships helped them improve productivity.
Apprentices add innovative employees to your business. The benefits of working with apprentices mean you can adapt their training to meet your business needs, helping fill any skills gaps you might have and upskilling your workforce in crucial areas. We have five apprentices in the business, all in roles adding value to the organisation, implementing projects and ideas that have helped the efficiency of our business operation.
The answer to your businesses recruitment strategy
Apprentices are an easy way to both train and retain talent to your organisation, it could be the answer to your recruitment strategy. Can’t find the perfect candidate? Why not make one? As mentioned apprentices can be trained to meet your business needs and are more likely to remain loyal considering the amount of nurturing you’ve done to their professional development. They’ll know your business inside out from day one and are an accessible way to move up the hierarchy.
The offer of different types of apprenticeships has vastly improved, from the construction industry to marine biology, and from Level 2 to Level 7, there’s an apprenticeship for anyone, at any age. Instead of recruiting for a senior manager, why not train and develop the current staff you have through an apprenticeship to be a senior manager?
The financial benefits of hiring apprentices for your business
As well as adding valuable employees to your workplace, we can’t forget the financial benefit to employing apprentices, you don’t have to pay national insurance and if you are a levy-paying company, you can use the funds to go towards their training and development.
In recent times there has been a massive push on apprenticeships, with a plethora of Government Schemes that will incentivise you to hire an apprentice and in return, you can receive up to £3,000. You can find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/incentive-payments-for-hiring-a-new-apprentice
Providing enhanced opportunities to young people
Not only are apprentices good for employers, but from an apprentice’s point of view and proudly being labelled an ‘apprentice’ for the last five years, I’ve received major benefits and opportunities that I wouldn’t have received if I were to of gone to residential University. I’ve gained invaluable work experience, as well as two management qualifications and a degree, which would set me strides above anyone else in an application process.
Having relevant work experience and a degree nowadays is vital to give you that cutting edge, and the more apprenticeships available, the more widely known they’ll become. Our CEO Stuart Brocklehurst has said "the greatest importance of apprenticeships is social mobility - equal opportunity and levelling up. It would be a tragedy and a crime to cut off the route to provide people from all backgrounds the opportunity to make the most of who they are - and a waste of the talent we have in the country".
Stuart Brocklehurst talks about Apprenticeships with CMI Ali Cox
Lastly, why not give something back, especially in recent times and the economy being hit so hard. Tackling unemployment in your local community could be a simple way to give something back, all while enhancing your competitive edge and ultimately making your business look good! If you think what I’m telling you is waffle, here are the facts:
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/key-facts-about-apprenticeships/key-facts-about-apprenticeships
