If you are a business who has been approached by a provider or who is looking inwardly at apprenticeships, you are probably concerned about whether they are the answer to your issues.

• They represent an additional time burden that you cannot afford as an SME?
• Do you simply not know how they work?
• Or are you not sure there is a right apprentice out there for you?

Particularly as an SME, it is incredibly intimidating if you don't know someone who is able to hold your hand and you might not be aware of all the support structures in place to not only support you but help you flourish.

To answer the question, Yes, apprenticeships are the answer.

AT FATP we definitely think so.

In truth, we see work based on-the-job practical learning as the Gold Standard pathway for the majority of professions.

Taking your education and implementing it with context immediately is powerful and will reinforce that learning. I dread to think how many people leave University having forgot most of what they learnt in first and second year.

I certainly didn't hang on too much!

That is not to diminish university education, I am a very practical learner and perhaps wasn’t following the right pathway. For many it is perfect!

As an SME, you get to shape the career of someone, and mould them into the person you require in your business. This is especially helpful in niche industries that need particular skills sets, which you establish alongside their training.

Hopefully, you will be hiring an individual hungry to learn, hungry to achieve and become skilled. If you are able to support them properly from day 1, I am certain this will be repaid in spades through loyalty, progression and overall being a skilled colleague.

If you are looking for some content to help you learn more about apprenticeships and how to get involved then see below:

Podcasts

• "Are Apprenticeships the Answer?" Catch 22
• "The Apprenticeship Podcast" Jon Jackson
• "Everything you need to know about apprenticeships (including HR apprenticeships)" HR Coffee Time

Videos

• "Employer Stories: Apprenticeships" Business Support YouTube
• "How does an Apprenticeship Benefit the Employer?" New College Durham YouTube
• "Introduction to Apprenticeships - Information for Employers" Hopwood Hall College YouTube

Reading

• "Employing an Apprentice" Gov UK
• "How to Recruit Your First Apprentice: An Employer's Guide" Amazing Apprenticeships
• "The Key Benefits of an Apprenticeship" FE News

Hopefully, you will find these useful.

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