Apprenticeships: The Secret Weapon for Business Growth

There are tons of benefits to apprenticeships. Not one, not two, but enough that we would need more fingers to count them on!  

You must have heard by now the amazing perks that come with taking an apprenticeship – it's advertised on TV, the radio, and even on funky posters around our local Manchester Metrolink.  

These ads all point out the same key factors: apprenticeships give you skills for life, the tempting opportunity to earn on the job, and an alternative pathway to building a career you love. So, it’s no surprise that the popularity of apprenticeships has surged, nearly doubling since 2011. 

This popularity is down to a few factors, including an increased understanding of apprenticeships amongst post-16 learners, and the growing number of employers who’ve opened their doors to apprentices once realising the mutually beneficial aspects. 

According to our Head of End-Point Assessment, Emma Archbold, apprenticeships are the secret weapon for business growth as they help apprentices learn on the job whilst, “allowing employers to assess the skills of individuals and develop wider core skills such as communication, IT and mathematics. These skills can be crucial for both personal growth and the overall development of the workforce.” 

Whether it’s their ability to upskill workforces, enhance employee retention, and even promote team diversity, apprenticeships have cemented themselves as a game-changer in the future of industries. 

Upskilling workforces 

In many cases, apprentices start as a blank slate, eager to learn and master new skills that will help them succeed in their chosen professions. This willingness to learn creates a win-win situation for both apprentices and employers: apprentices put themselves in a strong position for personal and professional growth, while employers benefit from enhanced company performance by building teams equipped with specialised skill sets. 

These talented workforces present an appealing equation: knowledgeable and skilled employees lead to better productivity. The results speak for themselves because according to the National Apprenticeship Service, 78% of employers reported that their workforce productivity improved, with apprentices becoming highly skilled even before completing their training. 

Improving employee retention 

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to employee benefits and what contributes to their happiness in the workplace. For some, flexible hours may be the most important factor, while others might prioritise having a company car or extra holiday time to sip margaritas under a palm tree. 

However, when we remove all the bells and whistles, the core of what truly matters is working for an organisation that invests in its employees. By providing opportunities for professional growth and success, employees feel that they are dedicating their time and effort to a company that values them in return. 

This is perfectly encapsulated by apprenticeships because from day one, apprentices are valued - and they know it! They have an idea of what their next steps are going to be and what they need to do to reach their final goal. 

This sense of investment helps apprentices become happy employees, and you know what they say about happy employees...it’s contagious! So much so that according to a report by the Department for Education, 76% of employers reported improved employee retention after hiring apprentices. 

Diversity 

Lastly, hiring apprentices helps employers to diversify their workforces.  

Apprenticeships are available to individuals of all backgrounds, boosting social mobility and opening employers up to a greater pool of talent. Increased diversity introduces individuals with unique experiences into companies, enabling them to offer fresh opinions, innovative ideas, and new perspectives to a business. 

As you can see, apprenticeships are beneficial to everyone! They give apprentices a chance to learn on the job, gain qualifications and earn a salary, whilst allowing employers to strengthen their workforce with innovative, satisfied employees who have been moulded into experts.