The idea of taking on an apprentice may sound intimidating but apprenticeship are an exciting opportunity for all involved. It’s a win-win situation. There are many amazing benefits from hiring an apprentice but here are just a few to convince you.
Variety of roles
There are so many different learning programs for apprentices out there. Each designed to teach them the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for an occupation. Every program is designed to fit both the provider and the employer. From Dental nursing to Digital marketing. Anyone over the age of 16, who’s living in England, can apply for an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are available from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) right through to Levels 6 and 7 (equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree). Bringing in this new talent means they can fill in the gaps in you organisation. Your apprentice is tailored to your company and is motivated to adapt to you business needs.
Up-skill your workforce
Apprenticeships are an invaluable tool. They address skill shortages and advance careers across your business. Your apprentice will be learning on the job, from their program and their working team. Studying while working means they can implement their new knowledge of best practices and latest trends in your company. Reinforcing these skills with the wider team. A proven fact is that hiring an apprentice that is keen to learn, and develop in a business, promotes long-term loyalty. They will bring in a fresh new perspective, new ideas and a passion to approach challenges. You also have the option to up-skill an existing employee with an apprenticeship training program. It is a fantastic way to retain current employees in your organisation. No one can resits the chance to learn something new.
Flexible training
Apprentices must spend at least 20% completing OTJ (Off The Job) training. However, this can be delivered in a way that suits you and the training provider. Style, location and timing of training can vary from different programs and qualification levels. It could be a weekly block of time at the training provider’s location. Or an online learning course, to best suit an apprentice’s working schedule. All training can be tailored to meet your business needs. Apprenticeships must last at least a year but they can last up to 5 years (depending on the level the apprentice is studying). All apprentices will have an exam at the end of their program, an End Point Assessment (EPA). This exam is to assess the knowledge, skills and behaviours the apprentice has learned throughout the apprenticeship. And to prove they can carry out all aspects of their role, so they are successful in the workplace.
Still not convinced? here are some statistics:
- 86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation
- 78% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity
- 74% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve the quality of their product or service
Statistics taken from apprenticeships.gov.uk
To Summaries: taking on an apprentice is an effective way to grow talent within your company. Develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce tailored to your organisation.
