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Apprentices are loyal and better paid

Starting out as an apprentice results in better pay later in life, according to research from the Learning and Skills Network(LSN). In addition, companies who run apprenticeship schemes often retain more staff.

The figures show that workers who start as apprentices earn £23,400 a year on average, almost £4000 more than those who do not complete an indenture. The difference is most pronounced among people aged 36 to 41, where former apprentices earn just under £26,000.

Apprentices are also more likely to receive promotions to management level. 28% of former apprentices now hold management positions and a further 15% are in supervisory roles. Among workers who did not complete apprenticeships, only one in four are now managers. The LSN says that the better promotion opportunities are due to organisations wanting to retain people whose training they have invested in. Because of this, workers who receive training from their employers in the form of an apprenticeship also stay with their organisations longer than other staff. However, former apprentices are also more likely to start their own businesses than non-apprentices.

Jill Lanning, director of research at LSN, said: “Apprentices make loyal employees who understand the standards of work that their organisation expects. “People who complete an apprenticeship can look forward to a lucrative career, good prospects of promotion and an ongoing commitment from their employer.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .