As National Apprenticeship Week approaches, Kirk Hookham, Deputy CEO at South Staffordshire College, shares why he thinks businesses should consider hiring apprentices.
“I’ve written this guest article to share why an apprenticeship could be exactly the thing your business needs, and having been an apprentice, twice, as well as being involved in designing, delivering and then managing apprenticeship provision have a real insight into their value.
Why an apprenticeship?
Cost-effective talent acquisition: Apprenticeships provide a cost-effective way to bring fresh talent into your business. With Government funding covering up to 95 per cent of training costs and incentives of up to £3,000, hiring an apprentice is a financially savvy decision.
Boost productivity and innovation: Hiring an apprentice can help raise staff morale as well as bring new ideas and perspectives to your business, which in turn can help drive innovation and improve productivity.
Creation of a talent pipeline across your organisation: With no upper age limit, an apprenticeship could be the perfect way to match the skills of your existing employees with the skills your business needs.
Enhanced employee retention: Apprentices are more likely to stay with a company that has invested in their training and development. This will also help reduce future recruitment costs.
Why South Staffordshire College?
South Staffordshire College offers apprenticeship programmes designed to meet the needs of both employers and apprentices across the following sectors: business, engineering, motor vehicle, construction, trades, land-based, retail, commercial enterprise, care, leisure, and IT.
Our apprenticeship team cares about getting to know you and your business goals. Our in-house recruitment team can then help you recruit the right apprentice to best fit your business.
We don’t just help train apprentices; we also hire apprentices in a wide variety of roles across the college, as we recognise the immense value apprentices bring to our organisation.
If you’d like to join the growing number of employers that are transforming their business through apprenticeship programmes offered by South Staffordshire College, please visit our website to learn more and get in touch with our team.
Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week by investing in the future of your business with South Staffordshire College.”