The world has changed – and so have training options. Apprenticeships really work, for businesses and young people.
Starting work as an Apprentice has been the beginning of a dream career for lots of young people. The opportunity to take up a vocational qualification instead of staying at school or college has put many young adults on the right career path.
Businesses agree too. Employers want to recruit people with the kind of hands-on skills and experience that Apprentices gain in the workplace. And as businesses open up again after lockdown, taking on an Apprentice or a Trainee is proving a great solution to fill gaps and rebuild teams. Traineeships often lead to Apprenticeships and I’m pleased to say that we are currently working lots of brilliant Island employers to offer real jobs and exciting placements to young people.
Taking on a Trainee or an Apprentice offers a real opportunity for an employer to review how it operates and to recruit a talented young person who can grow with the business. At HTP we have a strong track record in placing the right people with the right employer. With more than 90% of our learners progressing to full time positions, it’s an approach that really does work.
That said, when I speak to employers I still hear occasional misconceptions or misunderstandings. You might think you already know what a Traineeship is but as we adapt to a post-pandemic world, I think you’ll find that taking on a trainee is a better deal than ever, for both a young person and your business. So let’s bust some myths…
Apprenticeships are genuine jobs
In 2021, Apprenticeships are definitely established as a clear route on the career path for businesses and young people. In the past, some training providers would place learners with businesses that were attracted by the offer of effectively “free labour”, with no real intention of employing them at the end of their qualification. HTP has never worked like that and our track record is proof. At more than 90% success we’re much higher than the UK average. I’m glad to say that these days industry generally has moved on and Apprenticeships are placed for the right reasons, with the right results.
A Traineeship can be just the job
Although a Traineeship can often lead to an Apprenticeship, it doesn’t have to. If you take on a Trainee, after 12 weeks they could become a full-time member of staff. It’s a quick, clear way of finding new staff and what we often describe as “a long job interview”.
We will support you and the young person in their role. It’s a huge opportunity for the Trainee, giving them the chance to impress and for your organisation to review progress. It won’t always work out, and that’s ok. Occasionally, at the end of a programme, a young person may decide that their future lies elsewhere. There’s also no commitment for your business to take on somebody who isn’t the right fit for you. It’s this degree of flexibility that makes a Traineeship so attractive to organisations in the current climate.
Training new staff helps you to change and adapt
The next few months are going to be uncertain. As we return to life without lockdown, many businesses are facing marketplaces that have changed, with teams that have been hit by redundancy or furlough. Every week is going to be different, as confidence grows and business returns. However, you won’t know for sure how busy you’re going to be. So taking on an Apprentice can help you, filling gaps in the workforce and developing a potential new staff member, who has learnt business “your way”.
Get the offer right
We can help you to make sure that you’re making a clear offer to a potential Trainee or Apprentice. If you’re struggling with recruitment, talk to our team about how we can provide a solution. There are lots of talented young Islanders who are looking to make the next move – either leaving school, looking to learn new skills or perhaps retrain after redundancy or furlough.
The key thing with a Traineeship is that it’s a very flexible, light touch way of building a new role for your business. Our team works with you, to tailor a learning package for the young person, that can include valuable skills including Food Hygiene and Health & Safety. We advertise the role and together we recruit a young person to fill that vacancy.
It’s easier than you think – plus you can earn £1,000
Taking on a young person is easier than ever. As part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs, employers who take on a Trainee will receive £1,000. All you have to do is offer work experience and supervision to a young person. If you do want to take on an Apprentice, that’s easy too. Your Apprenticeship provider joins the dots and works with you to find the right person in a role designed to suit your business. It isn’t bureaucratic and we make it easy for you, with Training Consultants who understand what you are looking for from a potential new member of staff.