SECTOR FOCUS: SKILLS


Apprenticeships not pausing in the pandemic


Tim Scott-Lloyd (pictured), from City College Plymouth, explains why apprenticeships are still in demand in the midst of the crisis


their organisations. Not only are they looking to recruit new talent by hiring new apprentices, but employers are also keen on upskilling current staff within their business in order to develop future leaders in industry. We are


E


extremely proud that many of our past apprentices are now running their own businesses and are employing apprentices through the College themselves. Here at the College, we are still


mployers are still wanting to recruit talented and promising apprentices to join


assist them when required, making the application process smooth and effective. With the current situation, we


‘We are


extremely proud that many of our past apprentices are now running their own businesses’


are finding that most employers are conducting interviews for new apprentices virtually. This can be done via Zoom, Google Hangout or any other way the employer would like to carry out an interview, and we at the College will support the employer with this new way of


interviewing. Zoom, for example, is easy to use for both the


employer and the candidate and you don't need a Google account


recruiting apprentices across all sectors. We currently work with more than 500 employers and have vast experience in providing high- quality Apprenticeships for many reputable employers in both Plymouth and across the South West. We provide numerous facilities


and workshops that the students thrive in while attending training with us, and they are then able to bring these new skills and knowledge back to the workplace. We have recently updated our


offer with Apprenticeships that meet the needs of the City and its businesses; this includes entry level through to higher, level 5 Apprenticeships and a diverse selection of occupations from teaching and education, to marine engineering. Applicants are still applying for


Apprenticeships with us across the range of occupations, and we are supporting them virtually with the application process. This has proven to be extremely


successful for them as we are available online to help with any questions they may have and to


28 Chamber Profile Summer 2020


to use it. It also looks smart and professional with a clear video link and sound. This method of interview has


proven extremely successful and feedback has shown it to be a positive experience for both candidate and employer. We have


been on-hand to support and guide employers through every step of the virtual recruitment process, from short-listing candidates right through to assisting the employer with the online interviews.


Time to consider an apprentice?


While lockdown has placed restrictions on some business activities, recruiting apprentices doesn’t have to be one of these. City College Plymouth’s Apprenticeship recruitment process continues, with online tools providing solutions to issues affected by social distancing measures, such as interviewing. Apprenticeships are a brilliant way of


injecting new talent into your business, but they are also an efficient and cost- effective way of upskilling staff and safeguarding the next generation of leaders within your organisation. Director of Marketing, Business Engagement & Apprenticeships at City College, Pauline Hands (pictured), said: “It cannot be ignored that many businesses are currently facing challenges not seen before, but recruiting an apprentice could provide the solution you are looking for either right now or in the future. “Social media has always been a useful tool for


business promotion, but in the current climate, finding new and innovative ways to market your business has never been more crucial. “Digital marketing is just one of the


Apprenticeships available through the college, and, through online delivery and distance learning, there


is nothing stopping you either recruiting a digital marketing apprentice, or opening up this opportunity to a current member of staff, immediately.” The abrupt end to the school year has prompted


many school and college-leavers to seek out apprenticeship opportunities, and the college is seeing an increasing number of applications from young people who are keen to join local businesses and organisations that believe in developing and nurturing home-grown talent. While hesitation to recruit right now is understandable, business-leaders across the UK are urging organisations to think beyond the current circumstances. In an interview with online publication


Manufacturing Management, Make UK’s Director


of Apprentices and Technical Training, Stephen Mitchell, said companies need to keep in the mind the “bigger picture”. Mr Mitchell said: “During this time of unprecedented change, companies must look at the future of your business, and apprentices play a key part in this.” Employers not in the position to recruit immediately are being encouraged to engage with training providers and seek out potential applicants.


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