Following a lull towards the end of the 1980’s into the 1990’s, the popularity of apprenticeships has been resurgent since the turn of the century. They are an active way to gain a qualification while in a working environment where you will be learning and gaining the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
There are many different types of apprenticeships; they can range across many disciplines from marketing to construction. If you are unsure on what exactly you want to do, there are plenty of options that can be looked into. One of the great advantages to them is that no matter what you choose to do, you will constantly be developing transferable skills such as communication, teamwork and problem solving. The benefits of apprenticeships are there for both employees and employers, therefore it is important to understand how they can assist you in your future.
You have most likely come across the term ‘apprenticeship’ and maybe even considered starting one. It is important to understand what an apprenticeship actually is and what you can gain from it. To put it simply, an apprenticeship is a combination of hands-on-work with classroom learning to train someone to gain the ability and experience to work within that industry. It is a positive way to combine both learning and career opportunities into one – in fact it has been shown that 90% of learners who have completed their apprenticeship have secured a job or went on to further learning. This is a clear indication of the value that an apprenticeship can have for your future and career. So, now we understand what an apprenticeship actually is, it is crucial to gain the knowledge of why they will be beneficial for you.
Understandably, it is hard to know what you want to do or go into especially at a young age. Picking a career path after education is ultimately the start of your future, so it is important to take the time to think and choose something that you are going to enjoy.
An apprenticeship is a perfect opportunity as it allows you to earn money while you are still learning. You can enjoy the perks of having a social life and still living whilst earning enough money for your essentials. They are also an opportunity to open up new possibilities and future employment as you will be gaining a qualification that can then be showcased to other employers. Another benefit of an apprenticeship is the independence that you will be gaining. You will be introduced into a working environment where you will learn to take responsibility for your own actions, understand how to behave in your work surroundings and to take independence in the tasks that you will be completing. One of the main reasons people choose apprenticeships is because they allow you to gain real work experience. It is no secret that working life is completely different to school, university or college. So an apprenticeship is a good way to be eased into a working environment. A benefit that is often forgotten is that they do in fact improve your employability. Think about it, employers will be able to see that you not only completed all the course work but you did this while doing a full-time job. Always keep in mind that dedication is one of the most important qualities that an employer is looking for – they will value your work ethic.
Yes, there are many benefits for employees but have you ever thought about the advantages that an apprentice can have for employers?
Taking on apprentices will mean that you can support your employees to develop skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to their jobs. It is also a great way to ensure that your business has the capable personnel you need. As an organisation you are able to use government funding to prepare staff for a significant future in your business. Every company will always be looking to find the best people to hire and work with. Offering an apprenticeship allows you to secure the best new talent. It provides a fantastic incentive to potential job applicants, which enables you to choose from the brightest and most dedicated job seekers.
An apprentice will ultimately improve your services; it is in fact said that 86% of employers reported benefiting from the ‘development of skills relevant to the organisation’ by hiring apprentices. An apprenticeship is based a lot on helping to develop skills so that your employee has all they need to continue in that job and industry. Another benefit for employers is that you will be gaining value to your business because after they have completed the apprenticeship, you will have a well trained and highly qualified member of staff that you could potentially keep on and offer a job to. Recruiting new staff can come as a risk to some organisations, however an apprentice allows you to save on recruitment and be able to train that specific person to be exactly what the company is looking for. So, ultimately you will be building the team that you need to meet your objectives.
It is clear to see that there are many benefits to completing an apprenticeship but also for your business offering an apprenticeship. It will allow you to develop skills, gain independence and increase your confidence within the workplace which will then help to set the stepping stones for future employment/jobs.
At the Square Metre Group we understand the benefits of apprenticeships and are proud to say we offer a wide range of options. These include Level 2 Customer Service, Level 3 Digital Marketing, Level 3 Business Administration, Level 3 Team Leadership and Level 5 Operations Management. If you are unsure what the right path is for you, do not hesitate to get in touch on 01604 436880 or email us on info@thesquaremetregroup-com.stackstaging.com. Alternatively, take a look at our website at www.thesquaremetregroup.com/information-for-apprentices/.
© The Square Metre Ltd, a UK registered company (number 08878664) and XL Skills Training Ltd, a UK registered company (number 10423552)
