If you care about our nation’s future, hire an apprentice

4th February 2020

There are numerous business benefits if taking on an apprentice.

Apprentices are cost-effective hard workers and eager to learn, they inject new life into a business and bring a fresh perspective. 

But there are other reasons why employers up and down the UK are taking on apprentices in record numbers. 

In hiring an apprentice, not only will you make a difference to the lives of young people by giving them the opportunity to learn and better themselves, you’re also doing your bit for society too.

The more employers who take on apprentices, the more oil is put into the wheels of the labour market of tomorrow, unleashing the potential to build a more prosperous future.

Today, this is more important than ever. As we stand on the precipice of the 4th industrial revolution Britain needs to build the workforce of tomorrow, or else miss out on the exciting opportunities that technologies such as 5G, AI and robotics will bring. The 4th industrial revolution will radically alter the way we live, work and do business, and Britain needs a young and dynamic workforce equipped with the specialist skills, knowledge and expertise to compete on the global stage. Apprenticeships are the key.

The expansion of apprenticeships will enable Britain to turbocharge our workforce and make a real difference to the economy and society. Apprenticeships boost young people’s career aspirations and confidence, assimilating them into the workplace early and giving them the opportunity to learn the soft skills that some university graduates lack according to employers. Apprenticeships provide job-specific skills training and improve social mobility through a recognised qualification. Apprenticeships facilitate knowledge transfer from one generation to the next and are a catalyst to innovation.

If we want to prosper individually and see our economy  grow, businesses really need to get behind apprenticeships.

Now, you may think that your business has little to do with the 4th industrial revolution. You’re decidedly low-tech, you learned your trade from skilled craftspeople and the skills your business requires are a world away from the bleeding edge technologies being dreamt up by bright young things in Silicon Valley. 

Well that may be true, but could you really envisage being able to do business without your smartphone or laptop for instance? What we take for granted today would’ve seemed positively sci-fi 20 or 30 years ago, so who knows what your industry will look or what challenges your business might face in the future?

The way we do business is constantly changing and the 4th industrial revolution will only quicken the pace of change, so businesses and organisations need to learn to adapt.

Bringing in an apprentice offers a compelling way of mitigating these changes and capturing the myriad opportunities on the horizon. But how? 

Contrary to popular belief, research has shown that apprentices are incredibly loyal to the employers that give them their big break. They’re in it for the long haul. As an apprentice grows and expands their skillset, so does your business. Hire an apprentice and they will pay you back in spades, year in year out. Far from being easily poached by your competitors, find the right apprentice and your business will be futureproof.

Just think for a second. If this could be replicated in workplaces up and down the country, with armies of bright, enthusiastic and highly skilled people ready to face the challenges of tomorrow, who knows where it will take us.

An apprenticeship is a truly life-changing experience for the individual. At a national level, they have the power to transform our economy for the better now and in the future. What with so many benefits for the individual, businesses and society, what are you waiting for?

Get in touch with your local school, college or university to learn more about how an apprentice can futureproof your business this national apprenticeship week.

 

  • How to get started

    Chat to one of our skills advisers about any of your apprenticeship questions and find out how we can help your business. Call us on 0330 124 4446 or submit your enquiry today.

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