APPRENTICESHIPS REPORT
SKILLS VITAL TO BUILD BACK BETTER
Special report by Tim Aldred
The theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Build the Future’. It’s a message that carries even more weight as Lancashire businesses look to their post-Covid recovery.
Skills and training will play a major role as Lancashire looks to ‘build back better’ in the wake of a pandemic that has inflicted so much damage.
Apprenticeships and skills minister Gillian Keegan said: “It’s been a tough year for everyone, but we want the theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2021 to be a springboard to look ahead to how apprenticeships can futureproof workforces and boost careers.”
The message is already out there. The pandemic and the lockdown have inspired more employers to look to apprentices as a way to build for their future.
Alison Rushton, vice principal at Nelson and Colne College Group, says: “We understand that the pandemic has been an extremely challenging time for employers.
“We also believe that there has never been a better time to take on apprentices as they will play a vital role in the recovery of the local and national economy.
“Apprentices are cost-effective, career-minded and motivated. By taking on an apprentice, you are not only bringing in a talented individual who is hungry to succeed, you are also securing the future of your organisation through an investment you can mould and grow to your culture and needs.”
Neil Burrows, director of Themis at Burnley College, agrees: “A former apprentice myself, I’m a passionate advocate and have seen first
hand in my career what they bring to their employer’s business.
“They’re much more than an extra pair of hands. Themis apprentices have saved their employers tens of thousands of pounds by developing and adapting technologies and processes. They’ve secured their colleagues’ jobs by their ability to adapt and implement change. They’ve been at the forefront of providing personal protective equipment for our frontline health workers.”
Having the opportunity
to learn from experienced professionals is vital for the long-term economy
Claire Shore, senior business development manager at Blackburn College, adds: “Apprenticeships continue to be a truly effective way to support business growth and develop the pipeline of new talent which is needed in every business – now, more than ever.”
The government has also made positive moves to help businesses access apprenticeship talent throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Claire says: “The government incentives for employers have provided much welcomed support to help this, with businesses benefitting from up to £3,000 additional funding for each new apprentice recruited.”
Kevin Martin Boles, head of business development at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), also believes Lancashire employers are rising to the skills challenge.
He says: “Through apprenticeships, employers are upskilling their best asset, their employees, and Lancashire will be more competitive because we have more people highly trained, which means that employers can really enhance their business reputation as they grow.”
And he adds: “The apprenticeship levy is now a huge success, we see more and more employers across all sectors, public and private, seizing the opportunity to upskill their employees.”
Sarah Hall, head of business development at Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC), agrees. She says: “We have seen an increase in take-up among large employers recognising the value of investing in the upskilling of existing employees, and providing opportunities for young people at the start of their career.
“We have also seen many larger employers support SMEs by transferring unspent levy funds,” she adds, referring to the ability for firms to use their levy to support other businesses in their network or supply chain.”
Businesses across the county are also working hard to ensure their existing workforces have the right tools to meet the challenges ahead.
Sarah says: “Apprenticeships are also great for upskilling existing employees. As you plan ahead, you’ll probably find gaps in your skillset. Apprenticeships are a great way to have people keep working while learning a new discipline to strengthen your business.”
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