The benefits of taking on an apprentice
Thinking about taking on an apprentice? Apprenticeships offer exciting opportunities not only for apprentices but also for employers. Whether you’re considering hiring school leavers, university graduates, or individuals looking to change careers or further their skills, apprenticeships can help shape a motivated and qualified workforce.
The benefits of taking on an apprentice are significant for businesses of all sizes. You can hire someone new or upskill an existing employee, and as an employer, you can receive government funding to help cover apprenticeship training costs. Furthermore, apprenticeships offer a unique approach to talent development, ensuring that businesses gain skilled employees who are trained specifically to meet their needs.
The benefits for your business
Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way to grow talent within your business. It enables you to develop a skilled, qualified workforce that aligns with your company’s needs.
- 86% of employers reported that apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation
- 78% said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity
- 74% found apprenticeships improved the quality of their products or services
Other benefits of working with apprentices include:
- Tailored training: Apprenticeships allow you to adapt training programmes to meet the specific needs of your business, ensuring that your apprentices acquire the right skills
- Motivated employees: Apprentices are keen to learn, bringing enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to your business
- Workforce expansion: Apprenticeships allow you to grow and diversify your workforce, increasing your capacity and agility as a business.
Moreover, apprenticeships often bring a new energy to your workplace, promoting a culture of learning and innovation. A skilled apprentice can quickly become a valuable team member who can add significant value to your organisation.
Enhancing employee retention
One often-overlooked benefit of hiring apprentices is their long-term potential as loyal employees. Research consistently shows that companies with apprenticeship programmes see improved employee retention. Apprentices who feel valued and invested in are more likely to stay with the company after their training period ends, reducing the costs and disruptions associated with high turnover.
Additionally, companies that invest in employee development build stronger relationships with their workforce, creating a more positive and stable environment for growth.
Boosting your bottom line
Hiring apprentices doesn’t just offer qualitative benefits; it can also have a positive impact on your business’s finances. Many companies experience significant cost savings through apprenticeships, particularly when it comes to training. Apprenticeships can be more cost-effective compared to hiring fully trained professionals, as the government covers a large portion of the training costs.
For non-levy paying businesses, the government funds up to 95% of apprenticeship training costs, leaving you to pay just 5%. This financial support makes apprenticeships an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with limited training budgets.
Government support and financial incentives
Another significant advantage of apprenticeships is the financial support available from the government. This includes substantial funding to cover apprenticeship training costs, with specific incentives for hiring younger apprentices. If you hire apprentices aged 16-18, you may also be eligible for £1,000 in funding, further easing your financial commitment.
Moreover, businesses can benefit from a streamlined recruitment process, as apprenticeship providers typically pre-screen candidates, ensuring you meet with individuals who are both motivated to learn and aligned with your company’s needs.
Developing a skilled workforce tailored to your needs
One of the key advantages of taking on an apprentice is the opportunity to shape the future of your workforce. Apprenticeships allow you to develop employees who are highly skilled in the areas that matter most to your business. Instead of hiring someone with a general skill set, apprentices are trained in the specific skills and knowledge required for your business, ensuring they are ready to contribute meaningfully from day one.
Additionally, apprenticeships offer continuous development, allowing employees to take on greater responsibilities as they progress within your company. This provides a long-term skill pipeline that is sustainable and aligned with your business’s evolving needs.
Case study: Real-life impact of apprenticeships
We spoke to one of the leading apprenticeship providers in Sussex, Next Steps, to hear more about how apprenticeships can benefit businesses. They shared:
“All the apprentices are trained by our own team of Skills Coaches who are all employed by us and are experts in their respective fields, as well as being experienced in working with all ages and levels, from school leavers up to senior management. Additionally, the tutors come to your office so that your apprentice doesn’t have to take time off to go to college.
“With twenty-one courses available, we are also able to offer training and upskilling for existing staff from Level 3 to Level 5 (the equivalent of a Foundation Degree) where we provide training in Business Management, Learning & Development, Customer service, HR, and Marketing to name a few areas.
“It’s important to note that there is no financial implication if the apprentice route is not working for you AND if they’re between 16-18 years of age, you even receive £1,000 back from the Government.
“With access to over 52 job boards, our sister company Clearline Recruitment can also find you support staff involved in general business admin and sales. We will take the time to understand your business and understand the role so we can ensure a cultural fit – all candidates will be prepared and pre-screened meaning we will take out the hassle of sifting through applications so the quality will be much higher when you meet with them.”
Long-term benefits of apprenticeships
Government research shows that over 80% of businesses have experienced reduced staff turnover after hiring apprentices, leading to higher levels of employee satisfaction and increased customer attraction. Additionally, apprenticeships boost productivity, improve morale, and provide a valuable return on investment. As a non-levy paying business, you would only pay 5% of the apprenticeship cost (for example, £250 plus VAT for a Level 3 Business Administrator), with 95% of the cost funded by the government.
Is an apprentice right for your business?
In summary, apprenticeships offer a wealth of benefits for businesses, from improving employee retention and boosting productivity to saving on training costs and enhancing your brand’s reputation. The government’s financial incentives make it an affordable option for most businesses, and with the right support from apprenticeship providers, you can ensure that your apprentices develop the skills and knowledge that will directly contribute to your business success.
If you’re considering expanding your workforce or filling a skills gap, apprenticeships offer a low-risk, high-reward approach. Investing in apprentices today not only supports the growth of your business but also helps build a talented and loyal workforce for the future.
