Createapprenticeshipprogram

Why are we writing this Blog?

Some employers vaguely understand the benefits of apprenticeship and most don’t understand them. We have created a guide to explain these benefits in detail and the ROI from an apprenticeship program. We also want to help you understand how you can get started on creating your own and how to best attract talent. In this article, we touch on the following:

1. What is an apprenticeship program?

2. What are the benefits of running a program

3. Why you should create a program

4. How to get started and create a program

5. How to attract top talent for the program

   1. Employee led videos

   2. Blogs, interviews

   3. Mediums to attract these students

   4. Tie up with universities

6. How to ensure it is run smoothly and expand the program.

Testing linking

What is an apprenticeship program?

An apprenticeship in the UK is a work-based training program that combines on-the-job learning with formal education. Apprentices work for an employer while also studying for a qualification related to their job role. Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries (e.g., IT, healthcare, engineering, finance) and levels, from intermediate to degree-level apprenticeships.

Key Features of UK Apprenticeships:

• Duration: Can last from 1 to 5 years, depending on the level and type.

• Pay: Apprentices are paid at least the minimum apprenticeship wage (or higher depending on the employer). Approximated £18,000 a year

• Training Provider: Apprenticeships are delivered in partnership with approved training providers, colleges, or universities.

• Qualifications: Apprentices earn nationally recognized qualifications (e.g., NVQs, diplomas, or degrees).

What are the benefits of creating an apprenticeship program?

1. Cost-effective Workforce: Employers can pay apprentice wages, which are typically lower than fully qualified staff, reducing initial labor costs.

   1. UK businesses often receive financial support or grants to cover apprenticeship costs, such as the Apprenticeship Levy or smaller-business subsidies.

2. Upskilling Current Workforce / Bridging the skill gap: Apprenticeships aren’t just for new hires—businesses can upskill current employees to fill skill gaps or transition into new roles.

   1. Apprenticeships help industries fill critical skill shortages, ensuring sectors have the right talent to grow.

3. Retention and Loyalty: Apprentices tend to be more loyal to companies that invested in their development, reducing staff turnover.

4. Talent Pipeline Development: Apprenticeships allow businesses to develop a pipeline of skilled workers trained to meet the company’s specific needs.

5. Boost to Productivity: Skilled apprentices are trained in cutting-edge techniques and processes, leading to increased productivity over time.

6. Social Benefits:

   1. Youth Employment: Apprenticeships help young people transition from education to employment, reducing youth unemployment rates.

   2. Economic Growth: Well-trained apprentices contribute to a skilled workforce that drives economic development across the country.

   3. Social Mobility: Apprenticeships provide opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter skilled careers.

7. By implementing an apprenticeship program, businesses, individuals, and society as a whole stand to benefit from a more dynamic, skilled, and adaptable workforce.

What is the ROI of this program:

It's different for each employer, but here are the variables to consider.

General rule of thumb: for every £1 invested in apprenticeships, employers receive £1.50 to £2 in value. [UK’s Department for Education]

Financial Variables:

1. Lower wages during training: Apprentices typically start at a lower wage compared to fully-qualified staff, helping businesses save money initially.

2. Reduced recruitment costs: Hiring apprentices internally reduces the need for expensive recruitment campaigns or hiring external talent.

3. Retention savings: Apprentices are more likely to stay with the company that trained them. This reduces turnover-related costs such as recruitment, onboarding, and training of new staff.

4. Government incentives: In the UK, businesses may benefit from funding or grants through the Apprenticeship Levy, government subsidies, or hiring incentives for younger or disadvantaged apprentices.

Intangible benefits:

• Skills gap: Apprenticeships allow businesses to train employees with the specific skills needed, filling skill gaps that may be difficult to find externally.

• Innovation: Apprentices often bring fresh perspectives and new ideas that can contribute to process improvements and innovation.

• Reputation and Social Responsibility: Businesses that invest in apprenticeships are often seen as contributing to the local economy and social mobility, which can enhance brand reputation.

• Customer Trust: Companies with well-trained staff often provide higher-quality customer service, improving customer satisfaction and retention.

Add the ROI calculator here - Coming soon —-

A well-structured apprenticeship program can generate substantial financial and non-financial returns for employers, making it a highly valuable investment for business growth and talent development.

How to get started:

If you are an employer interested in starting an apprenticeship program, here’s how to go about it:

1. Assess Your Business Needs

• Identify areas where apprentices could help fill skills gaps or meet future workforce needs.

• Decide on the types and levels of apprenticeships suitable for your business.

Add guide to level of apprenticeship

2. Choose a Training Provider

• Select an approved training provider from the government’s Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP). They will help design the training plan, deliver classroom learning, and support you with managing the program.

3. Register on the Apprenticeship Service

• Create an account on the Apprenticeship Service (via the gov.uk website). This platform helps manage funding and advertising apprenticeship vacancies.

• If your business is subject to the Apprenticeship Levy (for payrolls above £3 million per year), you will use this to allocate funding. Smaller businesses may receive government subsidies to cover training costs.

4. Advertise and Recruit

• Advertise your apprenticeship vacancy via the Find an Apprenticeship service or other job platforms. You can also partner with your training provider to attract candidates.

• Conduct interviews and select candidates who fit the business’s needs and learning potential.

5. Develop the Program

• Work with the training provider to develop the training plan and on-the-job learning schedule.

• Ensure you have a mentor or supervisor to support the apprentice’s workplace development.

Final Tip

• For Employers: Start small if you’re new to apprenticeships, and build as you become familiar with the process.

How do I get people to join my program:

Attracting the right candidates to your apprenticeship program is essential to its success. Here are several strategies you can use to promote your program and recruit apprentices effectively:

1. Create a Compelling Job Advertisement

Your job description should clearly highlight the benefits of your apprenticeship program and stand out to potential candidates.

• Title: Use a clear and engaging job title, such as “Digital Marketing Apprentice – Earn While You Learn!”

• Details: Describe the role, responsibilities, and progression opportunities.

• Benefits: Highlight benefits such as earning a wage, gaining qualifications, career prospects, and any additional perks (e.g., mentoring, company events).

• Future Opportunities: Emphasize potential for permanent roles or advancement after completing the apprenticeship.

2. Advertise on Government Platforms

List your vacancy on the Find an Apprenticeship service (via gov.uk), which is the primary platform for apprenticeship seekers in the UK.

3. Leverage Social Media

Promote your program across social media channels:

• LinkedIn: Share your apprenticeship posts and encourage employees to share within their networks.

• Instagram/Facebook: Use visuals and videos to highlight a “day in the life” of your apprentices or showcase company culture.

• TikTok: Create engaging videos that show the benefits of your apprenticeship program, especially if targeting a younger audience.

• Twitter: Share job posts with relevant hashtags (#Apprenticeships, #Hiring, #CareerOpportunities).

4. Partner with Schools and Colleges

Build relationships with local schools, colleges, and career advisors to promote your apprenticeship program:

• Career Fairs: Attend career fairs to showcase your program and talk to students about opportunities.

• Presentations: Offer to speak at schools or career days to raise awareness.

• Workshops: Run workshops or “taster days” for students to experience your business firsthand.

5. Utilize Online Job Boards

Advertise on popular job boards, such as:

• Indeed

• Reed

• TotalJobs

• LinkedIn
  These platforms often have apprenticeship-specific sections.

6. Showcase Success Stories

Share stories of former or current apprentices who have thrived in your business. Use testimonials, blog posts, or videos to show how your program can lead to success and career growth.

7. Company Website Careers Page

Create a dedicated apprenticeship section on your company’s website:

• Include details about the program, application process, and available roles.

• Share behind-the-scenes content or videos of the workplace to show company culture.

8. Create Engaging Content

• Videos: Create short, dynamic videos showing what the apprenticeship experience is like.

• Infographics: Use easy-to-read graphics to highlight key benefits and career progression.

• Q&A Sessions: Host live Q&A sessions on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn to answer candidate questions.

9. Offer Incentives

Consider offering additional incentives, such as travel support, lunch subsidies, or flexible working hours to make your program more attractive.