When I left school most people went on to do higher qualifications and most of my friends moved off to University. I on the other hand decided do train in childcare and went to college. I spent most of the week in placements putting any college based learning into practice. I look back on those days with fondness I met some amazing mentors in a variety of childcare settings who shaped the kind of practitioner I eventually became. Apprenticeships were a new thing and frond upon by some, not seen in the same caliber as formal education. However fast forward 15 years (*cough OK maybe a few more*) and it’s simple to see that taking on an apprentice is extremely beneficial for small business today. Not only has the variety of apprenticeships widened, with apprenticeships now available in fashion and places like PDS Group offering IT/technology courses, but the flexibility of how you study has also changed.

So what is an apprentice?

Designed around the needs of the employers/small business an apprenticeship is a work-based training programme, leading on to a nationally recognised qualification. Training is flexible and is predominantly ‘on-the-job’ because the apprentice own talents are being developed your small business workforce becomes skilled, qualified with high morale levels. Apprentices are beginning to play a fundamental role in growth of small businesses.

Wondering what else an apprentice can do for your business? Here are my 3 top reasons :

Cost Effective :

Might seem a bit cold fish to say but apprentices are a cheaper alternative to Uni graduates.  There is also plenty of funding available to get you started.

An apprentice is also a cost effective way to tackle skill shortages and enable your business to tailor specific job roles, making an apprentice a flexible solution for the needs of each business.  Training and learning can be done within the workplace, minimising disruption and maximising impact. An apprentice is also a great way to grow your own talent.

Productivity : 

Apprenticeships can reduce staff turnover it is regarded that an apprentice feels loyal to the company which trained them. Data compiled by the National Apprenticeship Service suggests that 76% of those employers who employ apprentices agree they make their workplace more productive.  Bridging the skills gap and training staff for specific roles can only be a good thing in terms of productivity.

Fresh Ideas :

As I’m quickly learning from my 9 year old who is light years ahead of me in terms of technology.  We use the term “millennials” or the net generation, they understand the world of social media, branding, blogging and digital marketing. Technology comes easy and effortlessly to them. Apprentices bring fresh new content to the table, enabling them to shape and influence your business. Apprentices are also keen to learn and develop and unlike us older folks aren’t afraid to take risks.  This level of enthusiasm is infectious and can help to motivate other members of the team.

Have you taken on board an apprentice? What top tips can you share? Enjoyed this post? Do follow me over on Facebook.

Photo Credit | Shutterstock

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