Advantages of Apprenticeships
24th February 2014
In this “e-learning insights” post we look at different ways that apprenticeships can benefits employers and employees, and how e-learning can help to make the advantages of apprenticeships readily available across organisations.
Apprenticeships are beneficial to both the employer and the employee and they’re an effective way to address and tackle skill shortages. The apprentice will be trained to do a job to an agreed standard set by a representative trade body (The Sector Skills Council.) This means that the apprentice will receive a qualification relevant to your work place and it shows they have the skills to do the job.
This separates them from those who have followed a traditional, formal academic route. An apprentice will be trained specifically for the position that needs to be filled in the long term, and the employer can make sure they are trained to the correct level.
These are just a few of the benefits and modern technology has made it further possible to enhance employee training programs with e-learning platforms and enterprise LMSs.
E-learning programs
E-learning courses can be hosted online or on the company intranet (or both) and can be customised to suit an organisation’s needs. They can be used to teach and inform users and as such, they can be used to teach employers the benefits of taking on an apprenticeship student.
A course, targeted at employers and managers, can make all the difference in ensuring the understanding of the pros and cons, ins and outs, of apprenticeships.
There are many reasons to use an e-learning course. Let’s consider a few.
Why e-learning?
It’s scalable and efficient and it can reach all of the appropriate people in the organisation. It gives a company the ability to quickly create and communicate new policies and training. The coverage through e-learning is incredibly high, meaning that you’re reaching your target audience with a consistent message. All learners then receive the same training and can undertake it at a convenient time so that it doesn’t interfere with their job.
The variety of learning methods that can be applied mean that learners are more attracted to e-learning. Learners can also update and refresh their understanding of a subject at their own rate as the information is easily and readily accessible.
Importantly, for a business e-learning saves money as it reduces the time away from a workplace and cuts down on expensive travel. It also reduces the cost for costly classroom learning.
It’s also good for the environment, e-learning reduces an organisation’s carbon footprint as it’s a practical alternative to paper-based forms of learning and testing. These days, this is not something to be sniffed at; any organisation that can present themselves as being ethical, and that’s interested in sustainability will be a winner.
Use e-learning to your advantage
E learning is an accessible and reusable model. It can be used to teach and inform employers of the benefits of apprenticeships. It can also be implemented to ensure successful care and management of apprentices.
By taking an e-learning course, employers can discover what an apprenticeship entails. They can discover facts and figures to help them understand how an apprentice could benefit their organisation. Apprenticeships are increasing, due to the current economic climate, so it’s important for a business to be forward thinking and to keep up to date with its competitors. An online course can help an employer to weigh up the benefits of apprentices against new full time staff.
A course can help an employer introduce an apprentice to the work place, help them work out the wage levels and find further information and support.
Should you offer an apprenticeship?
It is worth understanding the benefits of an apprentice to your business before embarking on an e-learning course. This will ensure that you are not wasting time and money if an apprenticeship does not suit you or your business.
Here are plenty of reasons to take on an apprentice:
Some Impressive Facts and Figures about apprenticeships from Skills Training UK.
80% of companies that have run apprenticeships report a significant increase in employee retention. This is important, as you’re investing in your workforce, you need that investment to pay off. By training and preparing staff you’ re ensuring that your company has a successful future with a high level of skill in the workplace.
77% of employers feel that an apprenticeship makes them more desirable and competitive, further promoting their business. Your business has an image and by employing apprentices you are stating that you care about your employees and the future of your company. Further to this, in light of the current UK employability of our young people, apprenticeships offer a way into a full-time job with prospects. Youth unemployment is high and this is in many ways due to employers demanding experience where none exists this means that youths can get caught in a loop which it’s hard to break free of.
76% of employers who employ apprentices agree that apprentices make their workplace more productive. By ensuring that your employees are well trained, you make it more likely that they will do their job well without distractions. If they are trained successfully doing their job effectively will quickly become second nature and your business won’t have to keep checking to see that employees are doing their work correctly.
It also benefits a company as 81% of consumers favour a company that takes on apprentices. This brings us back to the question of presenting your company as an ethical one. Most adults in the UK are aware of the lack of opportunities outside of education to our youths. By employing an apprentice, you’re giving something back to the immediate community and your consumers will appreciate this.
Crucially it is a sound financial decision. Employers who take on apprentices aged between 16 and 18 only pay their salary. The government funds their training. This is something to take advantage of and it benefits both you and your future employee. Government subsidised training means that you can invest in the future and be supported doing it.
92% of employers agree that employing apprentices leads to a more motivated and happy workforce. Employees that feel cared for are more likely to work hard. An apprenticeship shows that your company cares enough about them and ensures that in the future they will feel a degree of loyalty to your brand.
83% of employers rely on apprentices to ensure a skilled workforce in the future. So you’re in good company with many of your competitors offering similar programmes. With such a high percentage of organisations employing apprentices it’s worth considering why you are not doing so.
A fifth of employers are hiring more apprentices now to help them through the tough economic climate. Considering the current financial situation, it’s more important than ever to consider your organisations future. By taking on apprentices, you’ re not only helping your organisation but the apprentice too and you’ re investing in your company, a young person and essentially, the future of the UK economy.
A two-way street
An apprenticeship is an important investment and one to consider. It shows that your company is moving forwards and that you care about your employees and with e-learning options to support you and your management of the apprentices, there’ s little standing in your organisation’s way except perhaps misconceptions.
Apprenticeships have clear benefits and with all the statistics distilled above, is it time to sign up and start learning how to apply for an apprenticeship scheme effectively?
