Login with GoogleThe Rise of Apprenticeships: A New Path to Success
Gone are the days when a university degree was the only way to secure a prosperous career. The role of apprenticeships is changing, and students and parents alike are beginning to view them as a viable and positive route to success. In fact, 42% of young people believe that an apprenticeship and a university degree hold equal worth, and 45% of parents believe that university degrees are worth less than they used to be.
The government has also shown its support for apprenticeships with the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, a tax that funds training for apprentices. This means that more businesses are now able to hire apprentices, which is great news for closing the skills gap in industries that are experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in the digital and tech sectors.
So, why is hiring an apprentice such a good thing? For starters, apprenticeships can help to close the skills gap more promptly. By training apprentices in the skills that are experiencing a shortage, companies are not waiting for years for freshly trained university students to fill the roles.
For your client, hiring an apprentice can be a less expensive option. Although apprentices start on a lower wage, they have the potential to earn more as their skills develop. This lack of initial skill or training can also work in your client’s favour, as they have a blank canvas to mould and teach.
Apprentices are also a young breed, and although they may be unskilled in your client’s area of expertise, they bring a fresh approach that should not be ignored. They are eager to learn and are often more willing to take on new challenges.
However, hiring an apprentice is not the same as hiring any other member of staff. Apprentices have slightly different working rights, and it’s important to be clear from the beginning about working hours and level of pay. Regular evaluations of their performance may also be necessary.
Training and studying will be part of the apprenticeship, but your client may need to provide extra training in certain aspects of their business. It’s also a good idea to get them up to date with all relevant training or workshops that other staff might be attending. This will help to retain them as an employee, as they will feel more valued and invested in.
In conclusion, the rise of apprenticeships is a positive step towards closing the skills gap and providing young people with a viable and positive route to success. By hiring an apprentice, your client can benefit from a less expensive hire, a fresh approach, and the potential to mould and teach a new member of staff. It’s important to be aware of the differences when hiring an apprentice, but with the right training and support, they can become an asset to any business.