Partner Article

A Complete guide to apprenticeships for SMEs

Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) have much to gain from help up and coming talent in their field get a rung on the job ladder. But there are many things that SMEs need to know about offering apprenticeship jobs before taking the plunge.

Apprenticeships are not what they were

The face of apprenticeships has changed considerably in recent years but the underlying ethos remains the same – teaching, education and empowering young people to be dynamic, and work in the fast paced world of industry, and its various sectors. Apprenticeships have had to change for the face of ‘industry’ in Britain has changed. The online world, for example, has revolutionised the range of jobs on offer, with some disappearing completely but others becoming far more bespoke and specific in their field.

Is your company suitable?

If your business if forward thinking, fast paced and dynamic within its field, then the world of apprenticeship jobs is for you. It means that you have the cream of the crop; you have young nubile minds that can be educated ‘on the job’, as well as a plethora of graduates, fresh faced from higher education, with some of the latest ideas in business and related issues. Combining these skills within your workforce could be the sky rocketing boost your company needs.

There are many high profile examples of companies and industries taking on the apprenticeship mantel; the British Army has around 5,000 apprentices completing their training each year. Jamie Oliver, TV chef and businessman, has created a whole programme for apprentices, determined to enter the world of fine dining.

The benefits of apprenticeships for your business

Before plunging in to the world of offering apprenticeships, you need to be confident that it is a programme that will bring you numerous benefits…

Professional –apprentices are more than just keen and willing extra pair of hands; they are honed and determined to make their career in your industry. They are already passionate about it; they want to be part of it. In this sense, an apprenticeship is more than just a job to pay the bills. It is a very real opportunity. Imagine how you could harness this enthusiasm! Controlled – however, it is also understandable that SMEs have more than a feeling of trepidation about people ‘learning on the job’. How will mistakes be handled? How can people best be taught the finer details? In fact, these very questions, and all those other pressing concerns will be the factors that fire your business to create the right environment that protects and nurtures the apprentice AND your business. It’s paid – and this can add much needed emphasis to the role that is sorely needed. Volunteering or placements are all well and good, but there are some diminishing factors that can come in to play. Essentially, an apprenticeship is a job and it demands the same respect and discipline as any other job; for example, being on time, smartly dressed, where you should be, when you should be and so on. Shape long term careers – that could both start and end with your business. On one hand, as employees we are more mobile that our ancestors were. A century ago, a job was for life but this can lead to stagnation. Apprenticeships encourage this long term outlook and this enthusiasm and drive could be something that stays with your company for a long, long time. Creating stability that is not stagnant or set in its ways is something that is hard to do. Giving people a step up is a feather in your SME business cap but, the talent your nurture may be the talent that stays, propelling your business onward and upward. Benefits – there are other benefits that you set too, just like you do for all other employees. Anything from flexible hours, to generous holiday entitlements are all ways that you can entice and keep hold of this raw, yet mouldable new talent.

Advertise and recruit

Just like other applications for roles and jobs at your business, potential apprentices apply for the position. The beauty of an apprenticeship is that the employer sets the requirements, with very few must-have inclusions; the minimum standard is that an apprentice must be of the minimum working age (16 years).

Some companies set a limit, for example 16 to 24 years so that they have youngsters to replace workers as they retire or move on. Likewise, you may want to see specific talents or interests – you set the ‘job description’ just as you would for any other role. Think carefully!

Register with the National Apprenticeship Service and start the process – you could get the welcome boost of fresh, unfettered enthusiasm for your business.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by James Trotter .