With added bonus tips on how to employ apprentices the RIGHT way
In today’s ever-changing global marketplace, it has never been more critical to keep up with the times. Over half of UK businesses are currently experiencing a shortage of key skills in the workplace, an issue holding back growth in the market.
1. Apprenticeships help reduce the skills shortage.
As the world becomes more technical, businesses want a blend of practical know-how along with qualifications that we can trust. Enter apprenticeships. They are vetted and targeted by employers.
Formal education while gaining on-the-job experience is a brilliant way for businesses to develop talent to answer the newest challenges faced in industries of all types. Employing an apprentice can be how you meet your goals in 2024.
2. The apprentice and company can grow together.
These skills gained are very often transferable to other roles, setting up the company and apprentice with flexibility and room to grow. As the needs of the business change, you can be assured that your workforce has the growth mindset and adaptability needed to continually evolve.
3. Apprentices help with constant evolution.
Stagnation has no place in a shifting, quickly moving industry. Young, talented professionals often have a fresh perspective that they bring to the table. New ideas, teachability and combining disciplines are the way forward to solving many of the world’s problems. The values and communication styles of newer generations (especially through social media) can help navigate future customer relationships, branding and a company culture that will attract talent.
4. Fulfil your social responsibilties
Apprenticeships are also a way for businesses to meet their corporate social responsibility. In the age of social media, how a company brands itself is incredibly important to securing customers, boosting its image and developing a relationship with advertisers. An apprenticeship creates an opportunity for a company to get an advantage over its competitors by proving its social worth beyond revenue figures.
5. Improve retention
Staff retention is considerably difficult in today’s world. It’s not enough to focus on pay packets, employees are looking for positive environments, adequate holiday time and lifestyle benefits. Giving a fresh opportunity to a young person to develop their career can boost loyalty. It represents a willingness to invest in your employees and that goes a long way.
Retaining your workforce, meeting skill gaps and corporate responsibility are just some of the reasons hiring apprentices can be a shrewd move. But navigating through the hoops of government requirements is not easy, so read on if you want to know the best practices!
Employing apprentices
The first thing you’ll want to do is consider the type of skill you want to address. Check out this interactive tool to find the right apprenticeship for each industry and skill level.
The Apprenticeship Guide listing all apprenticeships available
You can find a list of training providers here Best Training Providers 2022 / 23 | RateMyApprenticeship.
Don’t miss out on a key incentive to hire apprentices. The government pays up to £1000 payment for hiring an apprentice! Payments for hiring a young apprentice – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Thanks for reading! If you’d like more expert tips and how-to guides, head over to Employer Archives – The Apprenticeship Network. Happy hiring!
