Member Article

The need for apprenticeships in the retail sector

The decline of the UK economy in recent years has led to an increasingly unstable market place, therefore the Government’s pledge to support businesses by offering grants for apprenticeships is welcome.

The Apprenticeships Grant for Employers (AGE) will continue to award grants of £1,500 to employers with up to 1,000 employees, wishing to hire people between the ages of 16-24.

Interestingly, recent statistics suggest youngsters are turning to apprenticeships more and more, with over one million applications for apprenticeships in 2012. It seems there will be no shortage of candidates wanting to sign up for opportunities moving forward.

From my own retail experience, hiring apprentices can be invaluable to the success of your business. It is important that young people are nurtured and developed, and can learn a valuable skill-set, something that can often only be taught on the job, through hands-on experience.

Running a retail business can be a costly process, and the Government’s decision to pay for young people to learn a skill is mutually beneficial to both apprentice and employer, as businesses do not have to shoulder the total burden of paying for an extra member of staff.

From the beginning, it is important that both apprentices and businesses work together. Time and money in training has to be established by the employer, together with a willingness to learn and develop reflected by the apprentice.

Apprentices can often bring with them a wealth of enthusiasm and fresh ideas. If this is harnessed correctly, this can have a very positive impact on your business.

Young peope are the future of the UK economy and it is crucial for those who pursue this route, that there is the necessary tools in place to help support the growth and rebalancing of the economy.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Royal Quays Outlet Centre .