As a national provider of remote workforce training and online apprenticeships, that deliver results, we work closely with learners and employers to understand their needs. And we regularly see the value that employers can deliver to learners and also the benefits that apprentices deliver back to the organisation.
So, let’s start by looking at the key reasons as to why a business may embark on an apprenticeship programme – whether that’s one or many apprentices:
- Address skills gaps by sharing specialist skills – especially those that may be in decline or have no formal training or are hard to recruit for
- To develop a more diverse and inclusive workforce and improve company culture
- As a cost-effective way to increase headcount, with savings against traditional recruitment
- To improve staff retention
Apprentices and their impact on closing the skills gap
By working with an experienced training provider, you can first identify the skills that are missing from your business that could facilitate growth or enable you to maintain a competitive advantage. And by taking on an apprentice or using an apprenticeship programme to upskill existing employees means that you can directly develop the skills that are needed for your business.
Apprentices and their boost to the workforce
New staff often bring bright ideas and ways of working and apprentices are no exception to this. If you give them the confidence and encouragement, they will often identify innovative new ways of working that can improve processes and deliver efficiencies. And can be a way to develop a workforce that is inclusive and diverse.
Apprentices can also encourage growth within your existing workforce, by providing opportunities for career development through sharing of practices and experiences. By involving all your staff in the development of new apprentices then you can foster a culture of continuous learning – whereby everyone in the organisation benefits from mentorship.
Apprentices and the recruitment savings they can deliver
If you look at apprentices as a short-term investment, then you won’t realise the aforementioned benefits. However, if you identify a growth area or a skills gap and you actively bring in resource in the form of apprenticeships to address this then you are likely to save time and money on traditional recruitment processes. When compared to hiring an experienced external candidate, apprentices can save on traditional recruitment and advertising expenses. And you could also benefit financially from funding and incentives.
Apprentices and their contribution to workforce retention
The benefits previously mentioned all contribute to creating a more positive and engaged workforce which can lead to a better workforce retention which is two-fold.
Stats released from National Apprenticeship Service state that 69 per cent of employers experienced improved staff retention by employing apprentices. As through an apprenticeship programme employers can often demonstrate their commitments to their workforce and organically develop an enjoyable place to work that offers opportunities and good working practices.
And the apprentices themselves are often more motivated to stay with their employer as they appreciate and can see the structured growth path you have put in place for them; this is also true when upskilling your workforce. This is great news as you don’t want your investment to walk out of the door, and for another employer to realise the benefits of your training. So, it is positive that the same National Apprenticeship Service research reported that 65 per cent of apprentices stay working for the company that trained them when they complete their apprenticeship.
Chris Morris, Lead Business Development Manager at Train’d Up, commented: “I regularly see first-hand that organisations that utilise apprenticeship training to shape and develop a workforce, benefit from employees that are highly skilled and motivated. Which ultimately results in a business that outperforms and can mitigate challenges that an ageing workforce, missing skills and disengaged employees can bring.”
If you’re looking to improve your company culture, employee wellbeing or business performance then you may realise the long-reaching benefits of apprenticeship programme.
Get in touch to see how we can help your business recruit, train and retain apprentices.