Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Consider Apprenticeships

In a recent article, Dragons’ Den star, Peter Jones, claimed Britain is failing thousands of young people. The entrepreneur stated that despite the record levels of unemployment amongst young people, poor education is leading to an ever widening skills gap.

One of the solutions to the problem is apprenticeships which were promoted the other week during National Apprenticeships Week . Jane Scott Paul, Chief Executive of AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) says: “Apprenticeships have always had a strong place in the accountancy profession, providing a gateway to recruit real talent – and naturally the demand for these apprenticeship opportunities is increasing as young people question the further education landscape and their career options more closely”.

Touching briefly on the Business Benefits of Apprenticeships last year, I thought I’d take this opportunity to re-highlight the many advantages of offering an apprenticeship scheme within your business.
Speaking with Jane Scott Paul she continued, saying: “For employers big and small, apprenticeship schemes can be cost effective, allowing employers to ‘cherry pick’ highly motivated young people that have a passion to succeed.

Young people benefit from gaining invaluable work experience – being trained on the jobs with skills that employers want and need. In these uncertain times, high value apprenticeship opportunities are a fantastic way to address the skills shortage and will ultimately help our economy grow.”
How could an apprenticeship scheme help YOUR business?

1. Apprenticeships deliver real returns to your bottom line.
2. Training apprentices can be more cost-effective than hiring skilled staff.
3. Apprenticeships offer the chance to harness fresh new talent.
4. Apprenticeships demonstrate a company’s commitment to their employees.
5. A good apprenticeship scheme is reflected in your business’s reputation.
6. You can ensure your staff are equipped with the skills and qualifications that fulfil your company’s needs.
7. Apprentices tend to stay with an organisation, thus reducing staff turnover.
8. Apprentices can bring new ideas and innovation to the business.
9. Offering an apprenticeship scheme can help fill more vacancies, quicker.
10. Apprentices’ enthusiasm can bring positive benefits to other staff members.

There are over 130,000 workplaces currently offering apprenticeships throughout the UK because they understand the benefits that apprentices bring to a company: from increased productivity and improved competitiveness to a more committed and competent workforce. So if you’re not doing it already, make sure your business is the next one to take on an apprentice.
Have you invested in apprenticeship training? What benefits have apprenticeship schemes brought to your business?

Article Courtesy of Web Recruit Ltd

1 comment:

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