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Although apprenticeships are rising in popularity, it is understandable why companies are still hesitant about hiring an apprentice. It is still widely believed that apprenticeships take a lot of commitment and time from employers. Whilst this is partially true, apprenticeships have grown and moulded over the years to benefit both the employers and apprentices simultaneously.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits that apprenticeships bring to a business and dive into the ins and outs of what it's like to hire an apprentice.
What benefits does an apprentice bring to a company?
There are many benefits that apprenticeships bring, so much so that we have whittled it down to just a few of our favourites.
As an employer, you can tailor your training for your employee to suit the needs of your business. Our tutors will also reflect your wants and needs for the business to further help your apprentice become a model employee. Your apprentice will develop the key knowledge, skills, and behaviours that you require.
Hiring an apprentice can increase productivity and is a highly cost-effective way to increase your workforce. Most apprentices are motivated to do well as they are not only gaining vital experience but also studying towards an accredited qualification. Studies have shown that 80% of employers who hire apprentices have seen a raise in productivity. You can also place existing employees on an apprenticeship which has been proven to increase productivity and staff retention.
Tackling skill shortages is something many companies struggle with, by hiring an apprentice you can fix this by training them in skills that you require for your company. If you hire more than one apprentice, you will find yourself building a talented and diverse team.
Save time and costs of recruitment! As a training provider, we already have a recruitment team on hand who will source candidates and send you only the best. From there you have the choice of who you would like to employ after conducting your own interviews.
Money worries? No problem!
Apprenticeships are becoming more popular every day and that's because of the cost saving aspect that is drawing businesses in. For large companies they can make the most of government funding. All levy employers have a levy pot dedicated to hiring apprentices, you can use these funds to pay for your apprentice's training and assessment. SME's (small to medium companies) can benefit from fully funded courses if you hire an apprentice aged 16 - 19.
If SMEs decide to hire someone who is older than 19, then a small contribution of 5% of the overall course is to be paid. To give you an example, if you hired a Business Administration apprentice, the course would cost a total of £5,000 and you would pay a small fee of £250 towards your apprentice's course. Sounds simple right?!
Apprentices can be paid a wage from £4.81 per hour. As an employer you can decide what works for you and your business.
How does an apprenticeship actually work?
As a business, it is up to you who you want to hire as an employee. It may be that you already have a candidate lined up and just need to sign them up to their new apprenticeship. But don't forget, if this isn't the case, 1st2 Achieve have recruiters who will recruit for you with your business in mind. 1st2 Achieve will find a range of the most suitable candidates, collate their CV's and hand them over to you to have the final say.
Once you have successfully found your new apprentice, they will start to work for you like any other employee. Most of the time, apprentices will work on a full-time basis with a contract of employment. 1st2 Achieve Training then enrol the learner onto the agreed course and start induction with both your company and your apprentice at your workplace. All learning is on the job, your apprentice will not spend any time at college. Our tutors understand that taking on an apprentice is new to many companies, therefore they always give you an in-depth induction and onboarding plan so everyone feels comfortable.
Our tutors will arrange a time best suited to you to visit the apprentice at the workplace to conduct lessons at least once a month, this is classed as 20% off-the-job training. During these lessons, apprentices will learn a range of new skills and behaviours that they can implement into their role. They will also be given research tasks, course work or practical tasks to complete inside working hours.
Most apprenticeships work on a standard framework. To complete the course, the learner will go through a process called End Point Assessment. An external verifier will verify the learners work to complete the course. Once the apprentice has completed their course, you then have the choice to hire them on a full-time basis.
Motivate your existing workforce
New employees aren't the only ones who can benefit from an apprenticeship. You may have current workers who perhaps lack the necessary skills or maybe an employee who wishes to be further educated in their role. Part of our curriculum is designed with trained staff in mind so they can take full advantage of learning new behaviours, skills, and knowledge in a forever changing business environment.
Apprenticeships are a great way to keep staff motivated, it shows that you are investing in their future and that they are valued. Studies show that higher motivation levels within a workforce equals a larger retention of staff members.
How can we help you?
We have worked with all types of businesses over the years and really understand how different company’s function. 1st2 Achieve have a talented team of recruiters who will identify suitable candidates for you to take on an apprentice. Additionally, we can help your existing workforce upskill and progress in their careers within your company.
We provide consistent training and support for all apprentices catered to your business needs. Your company will receive a detailed introduction and onboarding programme to ensure you fully understand how we work with your apprentices whilst on the course. 1st2 Achieve monitor progress from start to finish and will be there for the company and apprentices providing support where necessary.
We work with national awarding bodies and organisations to award nationally recognised qualifications.
For more information on how we can help you, contact us today!