Apprentices – making a difference to the bottom line for SMEs
APPRENTICES can not only help solve your skills shortage but also contribute to a boost in overall productivity and profitability.
That’s the message from the EEF (Engineering Employers’ Federation) whose research found that 77% of firms believe that Apprenticeships make them more competitive and 76% suggest that Apprenticeships contribute significantly to higher overall productivity.
SMEs may be worried about the cost of taking on and training young employees but apprentices are typically more cost effective to bring in to your business than skilled workers and more loyal, thereby delivering savings in both recruitment and training costs over the long-term.
And the National Apprentice Service (NAS) provides Apprentice Grants to SME employers to encourage new employers to take on new 16-24 year old apprentices.
TheBusinessDesk.com is proud to have joined forces with the NAS for a breakfast seminar which will provide you with the opportunity to find out how Apprenticeships have benefited local businesses and how you too could enhance your company’s future prospects by adding an apprentice to your workforce.
With frameworks in sectors from graphic design to electric vehicle engineering, there is an apprenticeship suitable for every business. The mixture of classroom learning and on the job experience means apprentices gain the skills that work best for your business.
National Apprenticeship Service chief executive David Way said: “The National Apprenticeship Service supports employers to make it easier than ever to employ an apprentice. Our dedicated employer teams, including SME specialists, are on hand to guide you through the simple three-step process to hiring an apprentice.
“As additional support we introduced the AGE 16 to 24 grant which to helps small and medium sized businesses with less than 1,000 employees take on an apprentice. The £1,500 grant is available to employers who have never employed an apprentice before, or have not done so in last 12 months.
“This seminar will give you the opportunity to hear from an employer and apprentice who have already experienced the benefits Apprenticeships can bring. Members of the National Apprenticeship Service’s employer team will also be on hand to give information on the process and funding available.”
Chris Barry, editor of TheBusinessDesk.com, said: “While the case for Apprenticeships has been well made, it is understandable that in this climate hard-pressed businesses – especially SMEs – are reluctant to recruit.
“The purpose of our event with the NAS is to show them that there is financial support at hand for taking on an apprentice or apprentices and that doing so may make a significantly positive impact on a firm’s future prospects.”
Our breakfast seminar takes place on Thursday March 14 at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester. Registration and breakfast is from 7.30am and the seminar runs from 9am to 10am.
Our panel of experts includes Sue Price, National Apprenticeship Service divisional apprenticeship director North, Jennie Johnson, chief executive of Kids Allowed and member of the NW Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network and Jo Bailey, principal of Winstanley Sixth Form College.
The event will be hosted by Chris Barry, Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com, North West.
If you would like to attend please email Stephanie Higgins at
stephanie.higgins@thebusinessdesk.com
