5 reasons your business should hire an apprentice

Today marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week in the UK. The theme for this year is ‘Skills for Life.’  

Typically, you may think an apprentice appears at the start of their career path, such as a school leaver or recent graduate. However, apprentices can appear along different parts of their career journey. Whether it’s a current team member looking for a training opportunity, or someone who’s completed one career route and wants to explore another one.  

Training and equipping a person with an entirely new skillset can bring so many benefits to your business. Hiring an apprentice can make an amazing impact, not just for the individual but for your team and your local community. 

We’ve done the research, spoken to our expert team, and want to share why your business should hire an apprentice. 

Improve productivity  

If you’re reading this, you’re most likely on the fence about whether you should hire an apprentice. Is it worth it? Would they help my team? 

We can answer both questions using the experience of other employers across the UK. As well as telling you about our experience with apprentices, but we’ll get to that later. 

According to Gov UK, 78% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity. 

Apprentices are eager learners who want to work hard and develop their skillset. Are there skill shortages within your business? Hiring an apprentice presents an opportunity to fill these gaps. You can upskill current staff, while also attracting new candidates to join the team. It creates a positive cycle, which can improve the quality and efficiency of your business. 

Tailored training and retaining  

The survey above also revealed that 86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation. 

Hiring an apprentice means that you can train a person specifically to suit the needs of your business. Their working methods can be designed to fit the core values and practices of your organisation. 

Once you’ve helped develop the apprentice, there is a high retention level. Further UK government evidence revealed that 80% of employers saw a significant increase in employee retention by offering apprenticeships. 

An apprentice can become a loyal member of your team. You’ve invested in them professionally and they can have a clear career progression within your company. Our Labour Market Insight reports indicate that retaining your employees is increasingly important. If you can develop a dedicated member of staff, this is an incredible asset for your business.  

Help career progression  

Plus, of course, an apprenticeship helps the individual participating on the programme. You can help develop their skillset and progress within the industry. It creates a structured pathway for the individual to follow and presents lots of exciting directions for further progression.  

It’s also worth noting that apprentices will enter your workplace with their own unique skillset. They can bring a fresh perspective and enthusiastic ideas. Apprentices can help rejuvenate your business. While they will be eager to learn from you and the team, they will also want to show what they’re cable of.  

Access more of the labour market  

Hiring an apprentice allows your business to explore different areas of the labour market in your local area. Not everyone goes down the degree route, and apprenticeship programmes open a different pathway for career progression. Your business can help forge a pathway for candidates to follow. 

However, we understand the changing demands of the current labour market. This is why we provide industry-specific training to all our candidates to save you time and money on new-starter inductions. If you want to connect with entry-level candidates from your local area, we can help.  

Positively impact your community  

Apprenticeship programmes can improve your workplace, as well as help a person develop their skillset. You would be amazed at the difference apprentices can make within your local community.  

Hiring an apprentice means you’re investing in your community, encouraging local inclusion and improving your social engagement. It can also help your business achieve its corporate social responsibility goals. 

Whether you’re hiring an apprentice from the local college or helping someone who’s keen to learn a new industry – your business can play a vital part in presenting much-needed opportunities.  

If you’re unsure of how to get involved with these opportunities in your local area, we’re happy to help. Our Community Partnership Network (CPN) can support participants to help them develop their skills. 

Maximus apprentice experience  

We truly believe that apprentices can make a positive difference in the workplace. This is why our Talent and Development team designed a bespoke apprenticeship curriculum especially for Maximus. The ‘Trainee Employment Advisors’ were recruited on a Customer Service Specialist Level 3* apprenticeship, we hired 12 people who reflect the communities we support.   

One of our apprentices said, “I took on this apprenticeship as a new challenge in my life. I have been a stay-at-home mother for many years, I wanted to do something new for myself.  I love to help others and to see others succeed in their chosen paths in life.” 

We’re excited to explore apprentice opportunities which can reflect our core values and customer base. 

We can discover new team members, and the benefits they bring to our business. 

However, apprenticeship training programmes are not solely for new candidates. Here at Maximus, we’re also keen to help our current team members progress further in their careers. 93% of our apprentices are internal. We’re proud to help team development and encourage  colleagues to reach their career aspirations. 

How can Maximus help your business?  

Training and developing a new candidate requires work. From ensuring they have the right qualifications and training, to nurturing their development in the workplace – it can take time and resources, which you might struggle to find.  

This is where Maximus comes in. We offer cost-free recruitment support and have a pool of more than 50,000 work-ready candidates that can be matched to your vacancies.  

Gary Spann, Director of Employer Services, said, “We work with thousands of people across the country. Our Employability team can provide a supportive steppingstone and help an individual reach the level they need.” 

Further support  

Our support doesn’t stop at training or helping people into employment. We offer support to people in work, such as our Access to Work Mental Health Support Service.  

Our talented team are here to help you in whatever way they can. Want to find out more about our services and how we can help your business? Get in touch today.