Future-proof your business with an apprentice. Here Jane Tunnicliff, NSCG’s Group Head of Employer Engagement & Training informs business leaders about the details and opportunities of NSCG’s FREE apprentice recruitment service.
“As Staffordshire’s leading college and one of the highest performing further education colleges in the country we train more than 1,900 apprentices on an annual basis, working with over 850 local and national employers, ranging from micro-businesses to some of the region’s largest employers.
NSCG is one of only thirteen Apprenticeship Expert Providers as part of a Department of Education UK pilot and has been rated outstanding by OFSTED for all support provision. There really is no one better equipped to help you to shape your workforce of the future.
NSCG provides a flexible and responsive service, ensuring training and skills advice is responsive and offered at a time and place to suit your business.
So what is an apprentice?
An apprentice can be a new recruit or could be a person already working in your business. Apprenticeships are open to anyone, regardless of age (16+). An apprentice will spend the majority of their time working in your business carrying out on-the-job training. They should also be given time in college on day release or delivery in the workplace.
College-based learning allows the apprentice to develop their subject knowledge and maths and English skills. On-the-job training allows them to gain practical experience and build skills needed for their chosen career path.
An apprentice will have a dedicated assessor who will come out to your business to assess the apprentice. The assessor will also work with you to ensure you’re getting the best out of the apprentice.
What are the benefits of hiring an apprentice?
• Skilled workforce development and tailored training – apprentices can be trained to meet the specific needs of your business, ensuring they acquire the exact skills required
• Grants, funding and incentives – these could be available for taking on an apprentice
• Knowledge transfer – experienced employees can pass on their expertise, ensuring valuable knowledge and skills are retained within the company
• Increased productivity and motivated workers -apprentices are eager to learn and prove themselves, which can lead to increased productivity and innovation
• Support for experienced staff – by taking on some of the workload, apprentices allow experienced staff to focus on more complex tasks
• Improved employee retention – apprentices receive training and career development opportunities and are more likely to stay with the company long-term
• Career progression- apprenticeships can create a clear pathway for career advancement within the company, increasing job satisfaction
• Enhanced reputation and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – supporting apprenticeships demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility and community development, enhancing the company’s reputation
• Brand positioning and strengthening – being known as a business that invests in training and development can attract top talent
• Innovation and new ideas – apprentices bring fresh perspectives and new ideas, which can drive innovation and improve business processes
• Adaptability – young apprentices are often more adaptable and open to new technologies and methods, helping your business stay current
• Succession planning – apprenticeships can be part of a long-term succession planning strategy, helping to develop future leaders from within the organisation
• Smooth Transitions – having a pipeline of trained talent ensures smoother transitions when key employees retire or leave
The role that NSCG plays
NSCG has an Apprenticeship Hub that offers a FREE recruitment service. The team will guide you through the whole process to ensure you find an apprentice that meets the needs of your business.
What can we offer?
We can offer apprenticeships at intermediate, advanced or higher level in the following areas;
• Accounting
• Adult Care
• Brickwork
• Business & Administration
• Carpentry/ Joinery
• Customer Service
• Early Years
• Electrical Installation/Maintenance Installation
• Engineering: Mechanical or Electrical
• Engineering: Plant Maintenance
• Hairdressing/Barbering
• Health Care
• Hospitality & Catering
• ICT Technician/ Software Developer
• Learning & Skills Mentor
• Management/ Team Leading
• Marketing
• Teaching Assistant
Plus the following delivered via subsidiary company Axia Solutions
• Facilities Operative/ Management
• Improvement Practitioner
• Lean Manufacturing
• Print Operative/ Technician
• Warehousing
