Apprenticeships: From the employers’ perspective
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The national Apprenticeships campaign, run by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is well underway in the region, highlighting the many business benefits that Apprenticeships can bring in the current climate. But what does this actually mean for employers? This is a vital question, primarily because Apprenticeships play an essential role in today’s business world by ensuring that the workforce has the skills it needs to remain competitive, and that companies are equipped with the talent to compete and succeed, as well as meeting future challenges. A view from the top… Apprenticeships ambassador Mark Andrews, is chief executive for building services provider NG Bailey, a company that has been taking on apprentices since 1934. He said: “Without Apprenticeships, businesses across many industries could be risking creating a skills gap for themselves in the future, as well as missing out on a whole host of benefits that this type of training can bring to an organisation. “NG Bailey’s apprentices are put through a very comprehensive training programme, earning a good wage while they learn.” So what support is available? For public and private sector employers looking at providing Apprenticeships, it’s important to stress that funding is available from the LSC. The LSC will pay all or part of the total cost of training, dependent on factors such as the apprentice’s age or the type of business sector you operate in. The size of the contribution varies from £1,500 to 15,000, and can be vital in helping companies establish a successful Apprenticeship programme. In terms of developing a highly skilled workforce through Apprenticeships, the LSC can also assist employers in finding apprentice training and assessment through local education facilities and training providers. Can employers across all sectors take on apprentices? There are over 180 types of Apprenticeships available in more than 80 sectors of industry and commerce – from the traditional blue-collar roles to sectors ranging from accountancy and engineering, to construction, catering, creative industries and sport. Nick Wilson, regional director for National Apprenticeship Service in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Past research has shown that companies that do not train their workforce are 2.5 times more likely to fail than those that do, and engaging in Apprenticeships will set employers on the right course for success, so whatever industry you are in, take a moment to find out how your business can benefit from Apprenticeships.” Apprenticeships are in fashion The Textile Centre of Excellence in Huddersfield is a prime example of the diverse array of sectors that Apprenticeships are now available in. The centre is a specialist training company which offers Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships in textile manufacture, apparel engineering, printing and business administration.
Healthy prospects from private to public As a major local public sector employer, Airedale Hospital NHS Trust is committed to offering training and development opportunities to young people through its Apprenticeship scheme. In the past 20 years, it has trained more than 600 apprentices for careers in nursing or administration. Melvyn Ingham-Dempster, work-based learning officer at the Trust, says that the programme offers a wealth of benefits to both employer and employee alike: “As employers, we’ve found that the Apprenticeship scheme is an invaluable recruitment resource. We’re able to train young people to the high standards that we require, and our staff are happy to pass on their skills. “The NHS as a whole is very committed to staff development, and offering an Apprenticeship programme is an example of that. We’re delighted with the success of our programme and we would definitely encourage other employers to launch similar training.” A proud employer…
Steve Dewar, operations director for the company, said: “Claire Harrison is a rising star within our organisation and has delivered on all levels. I am in no doubt that she has a strong future within our business and her rise through the ranks during her Apprenticeship is providing a standard for others to follow.” Further information for employers about Apprenticeships is available by phoning 08000 150 600 or by logging on to www.apprenticeships.org.uk
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What sets the Textile Centre’s Apprenticeships apart from the rest, however, is their own in-house fashion label, Handmade @ the Textile Centre Huddersfield, (H@TCH) which was launched to give apprentices a fuller and more realistic insight and experience of the fashion world. H@TCH not only encourages entrepreneurialism in the apprentices, but develops overall manufacturing and design skills which are necessary if the apprentices go on to develop their own businesses in future. 
Claire Harrison from Skipton is the current national Apprentice of the Year, and a valued member of staff at pharmaceutical manufacturing and packing firm, Dales Pharmaceuticals.