How Apprenticeships Can Encourage Internal Staff Development

Historically, apprenticeships offered an inlet for those looking to start their career in skills-based trades such as plumbing or scaffolding. For this reason, apprenticeships were typically associated with and thought of as a young person's entry-level training scheme. However, this association is outdated. Many employers are now utilising apprenticeships to help develop the skills, knowledge and management of their existing workforce.

With many corporations taking a deeper interest in succession planning for future, internal, talent, there is more emphasis on identifying high-potential staff members and investing in their development. As a result of this, staff members feel valued, which in turn,  increases their motivation and job satisfaction resulting in greater achievements for the business as a whole.

A New Era of Apprenticeships, A New Opportunity For Internal Growth

The misconceptions surrounding apprenticeships goes way further than word association - apprenticeships are not just for physical trades, they now stretch across almost every discipline. For example, marketing, technology, admin, sales, recruitment and so many more. 

Notably, the new era of apprenticeships allows learning at various levels, from entry level to mid level to senior management training - apprenticeships are no longer reserved for teenagers looking to get a foot in the door. 

Degree apprenticeships have signaled a new way for employers to combat critical skills gaps by upskilling and training existing staff members. They are ideal for career progression into more senior, managerial roles. Furthermore, an employee could still be eligible for a degree apprenticeship even if they already have a degree, allowing them to develop these critical skills needed to progress. 

This new style of apprenticeships is often valued higher than a typical theory-based degree. Take, for example, the tech industry. Many believe that a theory-based university course does not give individuals the most up to date and relevant skills needed to start a tech-based role straight away. Instead, an apprenticeship enables a person to get precise teaching of specific skills and softwares needed to become a high performing team member. 

Transitioning Talent into Management Roles Through an Apprenticeship

Some hiring managers have reservations about whether staff would want to take on a training programme. However, a recent survey by CV Library found that over two thirds of professionals would take a lower salary in return for sponsorship of a recognised qualification from their employer. Staff members excel when there are clear structures in place for their professional development and career success. 

With a Pareto apprenticeship training scheme, we develop a training model based around your business’ specific needs. We recognise the requirements that transitioning working professionals into managerial roles has. That’s why we employ a ‘whole person’ approach to learning: focusing on soft skills acquisition, essential for successful management. 

Pareto apprenticeships are effective as the principles learnt in the work-based modules are universal. They focus on developing practical and professional management and leadership skills. 

Despite their positive effect, some employers have not utilised apprenticeship funding that is available to them. It was revealed that in 2018, there was £2.9 billion unspent from the employers’ apprenticeship service accounts! This might be due to lack of knowledge about the vast benefits apprenticeships can bring to a business. 

Apprenticeship programmes present a vast opportunity not only to an employee, but also to a business. With announcements made earlier this month by Rishi Sunak detailing further funding and bonuses available for apprenticeships (of any age), it certainly suggests that this is the right time for employers to review their internal training programmes and identify potential skills gaps that could be rectified by an apprenticeship programme.

Are you keen to learn more about the benefits apprenticeships can have on your business? Listen to our free Sales Surgery here!