Why your business should run an apprenticeship scheme

2. Every year, after A-Level & GCSE
results, many young people are left
questioning whether going to
university or going into full-time work
is the best route in finding a career
that’s right for them.

3. An apprenticeship is a great way for
young people to get real experience in an
industry and earn money while they
learn. The benefits to young people are
obvious…

4. But there are also benefits for the
businesses who offer these
apprenticeships.
Remember, apprenticeships aren’t just for
big businesses – apprenticeships are
hugely beneficial to SMEs too.

5. So, why should your
business run an
apprenticeship scheme?

6. You’ll be training up
your apprentice
To be a talented
employee

7. Success in business is reliant on a talented
team.
Running an apprenticeship scheme is a
great way to make sure that your team is
the best it can be.
You’ll train your apprentice to be capable in
the skills that are specific to your business
and vital to your success.

8. An apprentice will work your way, as they
won’t have preconceptions about how
things should get done.
And if you work in a sector suffering from
a skills shortage, an apprentice is a great
way to bridge the gap.

9. It’s not as
expensive as you
think

10. It might seem like an expensive
solution to hire an apprentice
rather than somebody already
equipped with the skills you need.
But it isn’t.

11. In 2015, a report by the Centre for
Economics and Business Research revealed
that UK businesses expected an increase in
revenue of £18 billion from running
apprenticeships.

12. The law only requires apprentices to be
paid £2.73 for under 19s or the national
minimum wage for other apprentices.
However, you might want to consider
offering more to attract the highest calibre
candidates.

13. Plus, the government offers financial
support and incentives to businesses who
hire an apprentice, including grants and
payment for training.

14. You’ll have a
Willing workforce

15. Apprentices aren’t just
here to earn, but to learn.

16. Hiring an apprentice means you’ll have an
employee who is keen to impress and
willing to work hard.
Couple this with the training provided by
you and your accredited training provider,
and your apprentice will soon be a star
employee.

17. You’ll be helping
Future generations

18. It’s good to give back.
An apprenticeship is a great way
to give back to the community
and help tackle the national
problem of youth
unemployment.

19. Plus, investing in hosting an
apprenticeship scheme reflects
positively on your business as
it shows an interest in social
responsibility.

20. But there are things
you should
consider first…

21. Apprenticeships are a long-term
commitment, usually lasting between 1-4
years. Think carefully about whether your
business can commit to the time and
financial obligations involved in employing,
training, and paying an apprentice.

22. Plus, there’s always the risk that once your
apprentice has finished training with you,
they will take their skills to a competitor.
It might be worthwhile to consider whether
you have the need or means to take on an
apprentice full-time afterwards, as doing so
will mean that you will benefit from some of
the above benefits for the long-term.

23. Have you ever taken on an apprentice,
or would you consider doing so in the
future?
@SafarazAli
Safaraz Ali