Why your business should run an

apprenticeship scheme

Every year, after A-Level & GCSE results, many young people are left

questioning whether going to university or going into full-time work

is the best route in finding a career that’s right for them.

An apprenticeship is a great way for young people to get real experience in an industry and earn money while they learn. The benefits to young people are obvious…

But there are also benefits for the businesses who offer these apprenticeships.

Remember, apprenticeships aren’t just for big businesses – apprenticeships are hugely

beneficial to SMEs too.

So, why should your business run an

apprenticeship scheme?

You’ll be training up your apprenticeTo be a talented

employee

Success in business is reliant on a talented team.

Running an apprenticeship scheme is a great way to make sure that your team is

the best it can be.

You’ll train your apprentice to be capable in the skills that are specific to your business

and vital to your success.

An apprentice will work your way, as they won’t have preconceptions about how

things should get done.

And if you work in a sector suffering from a skills shortage, an apprentice is a great

way to bridge the gap.

It’s not as expensive as you

think

It might seem like an expensive solution to hire an apprentice rather than somebody already

equipped with the skills you need.

But it isn’t.

In 2015, a report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research revealed that UK businesses expected an increase in

revenue of £18 billion from running apprenticeships.

The law only requires apprentices to be paid £2.73 for under 19s or the national

minimum wage for other apprentices. However, you might want to consider

offering more to attract the highest calibre candidates.

Plus, the government offers financial support and incentives to businesses who

hire an apprentice, including grants and payment for training.

You’ll have aWilling workforce

Apprentices aren’t just here to earn, but to learn.

Hiring an apprentice means you’ll have an employee who is keen to impress and

willing to work hard.

Couple this with the training provided by you and your accredited training provider,

and your apprentice will soon be a star employee.

You’ll be helpingFuture generations

It’s good to give back.

An apprenticeship is a great way to give back to the community and help tackle the national

problem of youth unemployment.

Plus, investing in hosting an apprenticeship scheme reflects positively on your business as it shows an interest in social

responsibility.

But there are things you should

consider first…

Apprenticeships are a long-term commitment, usually lasting between 1-4 years. Think carefully about whether your

business can commit to the time and financial obligations involved in employing,

training, and paying an apprentice.

Plus, there’s always the risk that once your apprentice has finished training with you, they will take their skills to a competitor.

It might be worthwhile to consider whether you have the need or means to take on an

apprentice full-time afterwards, as doing so will mean that you will benefit from some of

the above benefits for the long-term.

Have you ever taken on an apprentice, or would you consider doing so in the

future?

@SafarazAli

Safaraz Ali