Apprenticeships can be hugely beneficial to both businesses and the individuals they hire. Because of this, in recent years the Government has backed schemes to increase the amount of apprenticeships available in the UK and encourage young people to choose this career path.
In fact, in this year’s autumn budget, Philip Hammond vowed that the Government will halve the contribution to the apprenticeship levy for smaller firms from 10% to 5%.
But why are they so important and how can they benefit employers? Below, CV-Library discusses why these pivotal training schemes can not only help businesses on an individual level, but also benefit the UK as a whole.
Open yourself up to new ideas
First and foremost, hiring an apprentice can be a great way to bring new energy to your team. While they may not have much experience in the industry, it’s likely that they’ll be enthusiastic and happy to share their ideas.
As such, you’ll be strengthening your existing workforce and paving the way for innovative and exciting new ways of thinking within the team. In today’s competitive market, this can be a huge benefit and help to set you apart from the crowd.
Boost your staff retention rates
Taking on an apprentice is a great way to build a loyal workforce and boost staff retention rates. If you’ve given someone the chance to train and grow with your company, the likelihood is that they’ll be more loyal to your business and want to stay with you even after their training is complete.
Train and shape them
One real positive of hiring an apprentice is that you’ll be able to shape them to suit your best practises and ways of working. The fact that they’re taking an apprenticeship likely means they have little experience in the industry, therefore they won’t have picked up any unfavourable habits from past roles.
Plus, as they’ll be training and learning on the job, you can teach them how you operate and mould them into being a huge asset for your company.
Help candidates get their foot in the door
Job hunters are often faced with the age-old problem, you can’t get a job without experience, but you can’t gain any experience because no one will give you a job! This frustrating Catch 22 can be broken by giving someone the chance to start their career, or perhaps change careers and begin their journey within your business.
Helping someone to get their foot in the door is not only beneficial for them, but means they’ll want to give back to your business by working hard and remaining loyal.
~Business Game Changer Special Promotion~
Contribute to your local area
Hiring and training professionals from your local area is the perfect way to give back to the community. Not only are you giving someone the chance to begin their career, but you’re able to support the local economy and produce a skilled worker in doing so.
Begin bridging the skills gap
It has been suggested that apprenticeships could be a positive step towards bridging the ongoing skills gap across the UK.
The lack of skilled workers currently available can be addressed by training and supporting people across the nation through apprenticeships, producing skilled professionals as a result. But in order to make this a reality, more businesses need to be willing to invest in these schemes.
Boost your employer brand
Today’s professionals know what they want when it comes to choosing company to work for. By offering apprenticeship schemes, you’ll prove that your business supports diversity, is helping to train professionals and is willing to support employee’s career goals.
These are all factors that can help to boost your employer brand, meaning you’ll be able to attract and retain more talented workers as a result.
Are you considering offering apprenticeships?
As you can see, there’s a number of benefits for businesses when it comes to offering apprenticeship schemes. While this is not a decision to be taken lightly, it can have an extremely positive impact on your business should you choose to do so.
With the government keen to promote these schemes, you can find out all about how to take on an apprentice at Gov.co.uk.
So what are you waiting for? If you’re ready to expand your team, increase your retention rates, boost your employer brand and secure yourself a great new employee, consider an apprenticeship scheme today!
