Apprenticeships: Benefits and Best Practices for Employers 

It’s National Apprentice Week, which provides an opportune moment to reflect on the significant advantages apprenticeships offer to UK businesses and to consider essential practices for effectively supporting apprentices. 

Benefits of Apprenticeships 

1. Enhanced Productivity: Employing apprentices has been shown to boost productivity. According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), the average apprenticeship completer increases business productivity by £214 per week.  

2. Tailored Skill Development: Apprenticeships allow businesses to cultivate a workforce with skills precisely aligned to their operational needs. Notably, 86% of employers reported that apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation (report by FDM Group).  

3. Improved Service Quality: A significant 70% of employers observed improvements in the goods and services they offer as a result of their apprenticeship programmes (report by Lloyds Banking Group).  

4. Financial Incentives: For non-apprenticeship levy-paying businesses, 90% of training costs for apprentices are government-funded via co-investment, making apprenticeships a cost-effective training solution, especially for SMEs.  

Considerations for Supporting Apprentices 

To maximise the benefits of apprenticeships, employers should be mindful of the following: 

1. Structured Training Programs: Develop comprehensive training plans that balance on-the-job experience with formal education, ensuring apprentices acquire both practical and theoretical knowledge. 

2. Dedicated Mentorship: Assign experienced mentors to guide apprentices, providing support, feedback, and a clear pathway for professional development. 

3. Clear Progression Routes: Outline potential career progression opportunities post-apprenticeship to motivate apprentices and demonstrate the long-term value they bring to the business. 

4. Regular Performance Reviews: Implement periodic evaluations to assess progress, address challenges, and adjust training plans as necessary to meet both the apprentice’s and the company’s goals. 

Hayley, our Human Resources business partner offers the insight: ‘Apprenticeships can enable a business to secure the best new talent, with the ability to access industry-leading training that evolves with the needs of the business. Apprenticeships allow a business to support employees in developing the skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to their role, and this will ensure the development of a high-calibre staff.’

By investing in apprenticeships, UK businesses are not only addressing immediate workforce needs but also securing long-term growth and sustainability. The tangible benefits—ranging from enhanced productivity to cost-effective skill development—demonstrate the immense value apprentices bring to businesses. However, the success of an apprenticeship programme depends on how well apprentices are supported throughout their journey.