FEATURE GROW YOUR OWN
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Higher apprenticeships are also
giving young people who, for whatever reason, have not chosen to go to university, another high quality option that enables them to go straight from school or college and progress in their chosen profession through a work- based path.
Apprenticeships are thriving in England. With significant Government investment and a talent pool of over a million potential employees, they are an increasingly popular option for companies looking to grow their own talent. David Way, Executive Director, National Apprenticeship Service, explains why there has never been a better time for businesses to embrace learning ‘on the job’…
O
ver 500,000 people started an apprenticeship in England during the last academic year and the number of applications for apprenticeships, and the number of vacancies available, continues to increase. According to figures from the National Apprenticeship Service online vacancy service, over 260,400 online apprenticeship applications were made between January and March this year; nearly double compared to the same period last year. At the same time, there were nearly 25,000 Apprenticeship vacancies available online – an increase of over a quarter. There is stiff competition for these roles. On average
David Way Executive Director,
National Apprenticeship Service
apprenticeship applications outnumber vacancies by 10 to one. While there is the greatest competition in London in line with wider labour market conditions, there is huge demand and competition for apprenticeship opportunities throughout England. This increase in vacancies is unsurprising. Research demonstrates that 96% of employers report business benefits from hiring apprentices, ranging from the introduction of new ideas to the organisation to improved staff morale and better staff retention. Recent evidence also shows that on completing their apprenticeship, the average apprentice boosts business productivity by £214 per week, with these gains including increased profits, lower prices and better products. Apprenticeships are no longer the preserve of skilled manual trades or industries such as manufacturing or engineering, which have a long tradition of training their workforce this way. Apprenticeships today increasingly reflect the exciting opportunities available in the world of work. While flagship UK companies such as BAE Systems and Network Rail continue to invest in apprenticeship programmes as a way of securing long term growth, we are also seeing growth in sectors that are relatively new to apprenticeships, such as Professional Services, IT and Financial Services. Global companies such as IBM and PwC are now using apprenticeships, alongside their graduate programmes,
14 GRADUATE RECRUITER
in order to manage their talent. Indeed, we know that many of today’s Chief Executives started out as apprentices. They recognise the value of learning “on the job” and are eager to re-introduce apprenticeships back into their businesses as a way of growing their managers of the future, tapping into a wider talent pool and diversifying their workforce. This renewed interest is in large part due to the increase in the range of higher apprenticeships available. These start from the equivalent of foundation degree level and can, in certain occupations, encompass the equivalent of bachelor degree level qualifications, providing a work-based route to the top. What is more, this month sees the launch of the first ever higher apprenticeship at masters degree level, resulting in Chartered Status in Accountancy, Audit and Tax. Higher apprenticeships are also giving young people who, for whatever reason, have not chosen to go to university, another high quality option that enables them to go straight from school or college and progress in their chosen profession through a work-based path. This choice is backed up further by a recent study of 500 businesses by ICM Research which found that qualified higher apprentices are the most desirable new recruits for employers and are considered to be 25% more employable than those with other qualifications. The evidence is clear – apprenticeships are increasingly becoming the “new norm” for ambitious young people across the country. They are a great way for people to earn while they learn and progress to the top in their chosen career. For employers, offering apprenticeships is a way of attracting new talent and developing a motivated, skilled and diverse workforce. With tailored support from the National Apprenticeship Service at every stage of the apprenticeship process – including additional financial help for small businesses – more and more employers are getting on board. There has never been a better time to get involved.
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
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