8 Benefits of Hiring an Apprentice
Looking to recruit new talent into your team? Apprenticeships are an exciting option for both the apprentice and employer! Why not take a look at these 8 benefits of hiring an apprentice to learn more...
1. Improve productivity
78% of employers say that hiring an apprentice improves productivity in the workplace. Apprentices are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviours to perform their job effectively, leading to a more productive workforce. As apprentices are training on the job whilst learning underpinning knowledge through a training provider, they are able to apply their learning in a real-world setting and become productive and highly skilled quicker.
2. Improve your product/service
As well as gaining relevant, industry-specific knowledge, apprentices often bring fresh ideas and perspectives to a company, which can lead to new and innovative solutions for improving your products or services.
3. Upskill existing staff
Many people believe apprenticeships are just for young school leavers, but there is no upper age limit for an apprenticeship! There are over 600 apprenticeship standards in 170 industries that can be used to not only recruit but develop, diversify and retain your current workforce.
Many businesses we speak are considering apprenticeships but believe they cannot upskill their staff who already have undergraduate degrees but apprenticeships can be for everyone, regardless of if you have qualifications or not. When completing an apprenticeship, the apprentice should be gaining new knowledge, skills, behaviours and experiences and therefore cannot undertake an apprenticeship in the same subject as their degree, unless there is a level 7 apprenticeship available (Masters level equivalent). This, however, does not stop them completing an apprenticeship in a different subject – e.g. staff member with a Maths degree could undertake a Project Management apprenticeship.
4. Match the skills of employees to the skills you need
86% of employers said that apprentices helped to develop relevant skills for the organisation, and to fill the skills gap. By offering an apprenticeship you can ensure that the skills developed are matched to your company’s current and future needs. All apprenticeships follow an apprenticeship standard which have been developed by industry experts and employers known as ‘trailblazers’. These standards outline the knowledge, skills and behaviours that an apprentice must demonstrate in order to be considered fully competent in their specific job role or occupation, however you can adapt your apprentices training according to the needs of your business.
5. Increase diversity
Apprenticeships can be used as part of your strategic workforce planning, to promote a diverse and inclusive workforce and support recruitment and retention. Apprenticeships can increase diversity by providing opportunities for underrepresented groups, allowing them to gain skills and experiences in a specific field.
6. Reduce staff turnover
One of the most significant benefits of apprenticeships, for employers and staff alike is that they help organisations keep their employees motivated and committed long-term by supporting employees to develop their skills over several years and in turn, reducing staff turnover.
7. Increase morale
Apprenticeships can create a positive and rewarding work environment, increasing morale and engagement as employers are providing apprentices with the opportunity to learn new skills and advance their careers. As well as this leading to increased job satisfaction, it also gives the apprentice the opportunity to make a real difference in the workplace which can lead to increased motivation.
8. Create a talent pipeline
Apprenticeships can help build a talent pipeline by providing a solution to the skills shortages that many industries are facing as they can offer a steady stream of well-trained workers, protecting companies against recruitment difficulties. Apprenticeships can also help employers to retain skilled workers, as apprentices are often already familiar with the company’s operations and culture by the time they have completed their training.
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