Member Article

Saltaire HR firm call upon business to increase apprenticeships

Saltaire based outsource HR firm, AdviserPlus, are calling upon business leaders to increase the number of Apprenticeship opportunities available to young people in the UK.

AdviserPlus, who employ 300 people, first launched their Apprenticeship programme in 2013 and according to Pam Smith, Chief Operating Officer, they haven’t looked back since.

Speaking about her experience of recruiting new apprentices into the business, Pat Ashworth, Director of AdviserPlus Learning Solutions, said: “Not every young person chooses to go down the University route. We know that many are bright and talented individuals who are making different choices and we’ve found this to be a rich talent pool.

“Apprenticeship recruitment forms a key part of people strategy and our wider policy to increase the diversity of our workforce.

“This isn’t a one way street, we’ve found that apprentices bring a fresh perspective to our business.

“We believe in creating real opportunities for young people and by working closely with local colleges we ensure that our apprentices gain a true work experience, which in conjunction with their continued education will set them up for future success.

“Our philosophy is to develop these young people through our Apprenticeship scheme, providing a positive work environment where they can realise their potential.

“Apprenticeships are all about providing young people with a credible work opportunity. Our in-house mentor/buddy scheme provides our apprentices with all of the support they need to feel part of the AdviserPlus team and culture from the outset.”

AdviserPlus credit the success of their Apprenticeship scheme to the strong relationships and partnerships they have formed with Shipley College, who have helped them to source new apprentices across their Finance, Human Resources, and Business Administration department, as well as to the support they have received from the National Apprenticeship Service.

New figures from the National Apprenticeship Service indicate that more people than ever before are participating in an Apprenticeship: nearly 860,000 people were on an Apprenticeship in 2012/13 with the gold standard of Higher and Advanced levels attracting record levels of apprentices.

Speaking about the importance of Apprenticeship opportunities, Liz Curran from the National Apprenticeship Service said: “The National Apprenticeship Service is delighted to hear how apprentices have added real value to the AdviserPlus business.

“It is vital that businesses such as AdviserPlus continue to create Apprenticeship opportunities for young people. Apprenticeships help businesses grow their own talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce and there’s never been a better time to employ an apprentice.

“Apprenticeships deliver for employers, young people, adults and the economy.”

Pat Ashworth added: ‘We’re fostering a strong collaboration with Liz Curran and the National Apprenticeship Service to develop the new, higher level, Level 5 Apprenticeship in HR’. ((ENDS))

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .