How apprenticeships can add value to your business

An apprenticeship is a real job with training that allows individuals to gain valuable skills and qualifications whilst at work. Thousands of employers across England are benefitting from apprenticeships as a way to recruit new staff and retain or upskill existing staff of all ages and levels of experience, in a wide variety of roles.

Whether start-up, large corporate or SME (small and medium sized enterprises), many companies currently operate apprenticeship programmes. They recognise the enormous positive impact that employing apprentices has on the business, both bottom line and culturally, as well as diversifying the skills and age of their workforce.

For every £1 invested in apprentices, the UK economy is boosted by £28, making them a great investment for the future of your own business as well as local commerce. They also offer the chance to build a loyal and dedicated work force, along with the opportunity to mould employees and help them rise through the ranks. And if your business is part of one of the many sectors to be suffering from a shortage of skills, apprentices can help bridge the gap and boost productivity.

There is a wide range of apprenticeships for over 1,500 job roles - giving individuals the opportunity to enter careers in anything from engineering and boat building, to veterinary nursing, law and accountancy.

Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, living in England and are available at intermediate, advanced, higher and degree levels.

In most cases an apprenticeship is full time, working at least 30 hours per week.  However, where someone is employed part time and working 16 hours or more, many providers will still deliver apprenticeships but over a longer period of time. 

Further information about the range of apprentices and how to employ and apprentice can be found at the following links: