The 11th National Apprenticeship Week is coming up from 5 to 9 March, and it’s got me thinking.

Despite some recent negative press commentary to the contrary, Apprenticeships continue to be a valuable recruitment and investment tool, especially so for savvy small businesses* who are set to benefit the most from new funding rules introduced last year.

More than just cheap labour, apprentices can help your business prosper.

Not only will the Government pay 100% of the cost of training under 19 year olds for you, if you have less than 50 employees they will also pay you a £1000 incentive for taking someone on!

So, what’s in it for you?

1.     Grow your team, keep staff costs down

The average apprenticeship completer increases business productivity by £214 per week.

2.     Make hiring simpler and cheaper

High-quality apprentice training providers help you with the entire process from recruiting an apprentice, customising a training programme for them, accessing funding, and much, much more.

3.     Develop new recruits to meet your needs

82% of employers take on apprentices to build the skills capacity within their businesses.

4.     Flexibility for existing employees

Free up your existing workforce so they can do what they do best.

5.     Give your team new skills and energy

96% of apprentice employers say they are beneficial to their business.

• Source: National Apprenticeship Service ‘Employer Guide to Apprenticeships’.

Not only do apprenticeships offer young people the chance to kick-start a fulfilling career in the tech sector, there are a wealth of benefits for the businesses that take them on. Offering young people apprenticeships gives businesses the chance to play an active role in moulding their future workforce and creating the future skills that they need to help their businesses grow. By making the commitment to offer apprenticeships, you also build up strong employee loyalty; and by investing in apprentices’ careers you increase the chances of up-skilling, and more importantly, maintaining highly skilled staff. It’s a win win, surely?

While graduates may have been historically considered for the blue riband entry-level roles, have you assessed each role in your business recently, and how much value their entry-level intake actually contribute? Now might be a good time to do so!

Why not give me a call or drop me a line if you would like some no strings attached guidance about apprentices or graduate recruits for your business.

*With less than £3m wage bill