Member Article

Today’s Apprentices, Tomorrow’s Business Leaders

The latest data released by the Office of National Statistics has revealed that the number of 16 and 17 year olds starting apprenticeships in Sheffield is nearly twice the national average. Sheffield is outperforming almost every major city in terms of new apprentice starts.

There are many good reasons why businesses across the Sheffield City Region are choosing to invest in apprenticeships. For some employers it’s a chance to overcome skills shortages in the workforce, or expand their workforce to meet growing demand; for others it’s an opportunity to help young people gain valuable experience. Many employers have reported increases in productivity and improved morale after recruiting an apprentice, with most companies believing that apprentices make a noticeable contribution towards the business.

Apprentices should be viewed as an investment in business’s future. It’s worth remembering that many of today’s senior business leaders began their careers on the shop floor working as an apprentice.

For small businesses that haven’t previously employed an apprentice, the process can appear daunting. There are many different things to take into consideration from the recruitment process itself to the sheer number of training providers available to deliver the training. The process can be confusing and difficult to understand without specialist knowledge and it’s therefore essential to get the right support from day one.

Skills Made Easy was set up to make apprenticeship recruitment as simple and straightforward as possible. The programme operates exclusively in the Sheffield City Region and delivers practical and impartial advice to employers at no cost to the business.

Vacancies are managed by a dedicated account manager, who is there to reduce the administrative burden placed on the employer and who takes time to ensure that the business only receives CVs from candidates who meet the job specification.

Options for apprenticeship training can be varied and diverse, ranging from traditional college day-release to bespoke programmes delivered within the workplace. Through Skills Made Easy, the employer can rely on the support of a dedicated account manager every step of the way and the advice and support doesn’t end once the apprenticeship begins - the account manager remains on hand from appointment to completion.

Every apprenticeship delivered through Skills Made Easy is always developed with the needs of the employer in mind. This is particularly important when it comes to understanding training provision and ensuring that the qualification that an apprentice is working towards fits the job and meets the needs of the business..

Employers are able to compare the training packages offered by different providers quickly and easily and, in many cases, secure grants and funding towards covering the costs of that training. Above all, they can feel sure that their apprentices are getting the training and qualifications that they need to help them do their jobs more effectively. It’s win-win for all concerned.

To find out more about how Skills Made Easy can help your business grow, visit www.skillsmadeeasy.org.uk or contact 0114 229 6180

Laura Hayfield is the programme manager at Skills Made Easy.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Skills Made Easy .