Do you hire apprentices? Is this an employment route you are thinking of going down? As this is National Apprenticeship Week – from February 5th to 11th – we thought we’d take a look at the benefits of hiring apprentices.
And who better to give us some insight than one of our clients at Rombourne serviced offices, who champions the apprenticeship model by supporting them in the businesses.
Stacey Wilson, COO of Infinity Nation, said: “Employing apprentices has always been part of Infinity Nation’s footprint. We know that by sharing our knowledge and paying this forward, we are setting individuals up with best practice processes and a rounded knowledge across market sectors and channels.”
So, why hire an apprentice, and what positive impact might they bring to your organisation, as well as the wider economy?
The Benefits of Hiring Apprentices
1. Tailored Skills Training
As an employer, taking on apprentices allows you to shape and tailor your training to suit your particular business needs. You can mould your apprentice to fit the role while at the same time giving them valuable experience and the opportunity to learn new skills.
2. Increased Loyalty & Retention
Apprenticeship schemes can foster a sense of loyalty among apprentices, as they will appreciate the investment in their education and career development. This can, in turn, lead to higher retention rates and a more stable, skilled workforce.
3. Reduced Recruitment Costs
Taking on apprentices through a recognised scheme or training provider can be a cost-effective way of growing a team. By training apprentices, businesses can develop a pipeline of skilled workers from within, saving on hiring and onboarding costs.
Similarly, the employment costs and wages of apprentices are typically lower than for trained and skilled staff. Bear in mind that the government sets a minimum wage limit for apprentices to ensure they are paid fairly.
4. A Fresh New Outlook
Most apprentices are in their teens or twenties, and they can bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to a business. They are also invariably tech savvy and up-to-date with trends, which can be a real advantage to a business whose workforce may be older.
Stacey agrees. “Apprentices bring their own unique perspective on the world of business. In a digital world, the youth lead the way and are early adopters of new social platforms and apps. So, the value exchange works nicely; we share our skills, processes and best practices, and apprentices bring the energy and fresh approach that our clients desire to keep moving forward.”
5. Passing On Knowledge
Apprenticeships provide a way for more experienced employees to pass on their knowledge and skills to the next generation. This helps preserve and transfer institutional knowledge within the organisation. For example, in traditional crafts, apprentices are essential for their survival.
6. Increased Productivity
As apprentices gain experience and skills, their productivity typically increases. The investment early on will pay dividends, as they become valuable contributors to the workforce, often exceeding the initial investment made in their training.
Stacey says: “Often apprentices are invested in learning and taking on new tasks, and their willingness to adapt and try new approaches makes them a valuable asset to many businesses.”
7. Enhancing Reputation
Companies investing in apprenticeship schemes can use this to their advantage, in terms of their reputation. Demonstrating their commitment to employee development and community support can greatly add to the positive public image of a business. There is a clear public relations advantage to be had.
8. Long-term Talent Pipeline
Apprenticeship schemes can be a strategic tool for developing a long-term talent pipeline. By training individuals from the early stages of their careers, businesses can groom skilled professionals who align with the company’s values and goals.
We spoke with operations manager Ollie from Heads of The Valleys Training, who stated that he’s seen a growing trend of employers booking courses for their apprentices to complete, which allows them to further progress in their role and be an asset to the company.
Final Words
So, if you are considering going down the apprenticeship route, here’s a final piece of advice from Stacey:
“You need to carefully consider the type of programme you are willing to offer. For example, some colleges require apprentices to go on-site once a week, whereas others have more flexible online learning programmes.
“In either case, the employer needs to invest a significant amount of time, as well as dedicated time for the student to attend lessons.
“In return, the apprenticeship scheme enables the employer to deliver a service, or manage a process and build a business case if budget is not available for a full-time role.”
Whether or not you have apprentices among your team members, we have plenty of availability for serviced office space to accommodate your business. We have centres in Bristol, Cardiff, Newport and Swindon. Please get in touch to find out more.
