26th February 2016
It’s not hard to see why the development of apprenticeships is high on the Government agenda; they provide an alternative, vocational route for students whilst addressing the worrying trend that the volume of work-based learning has halved in the past 20 years.
In 2014-15 nearly 500,000 people enrolled on apprenticeship training, moving towards the Government’s target of 3,000,000 new apprenticeships by 2020. In fact, apprenticeships were a central promise of the Conservative Party’s election campaign, seen as the foundation for a better-trained and more productive Great Britain.
But despite the many benefits of apprenticeships, and the critical part they will play in the future of education and training in this country, many schools are neglecting their obligation to provide the fair and impartial advice and guidance about these training options. Education Secretary Nicky Morgan recently vowed to ‘level the playing field’ and ensure that young people were made aware of apprenticeships and their value.
There continues to be a growing concern that some schools are perpetuating an outdated misconception that apprenticeships are only an option for less able students, whilst the truth is quite the opposite. The technical knowledge apprenticeships provide and the varying levels available make them an excellent alternative to Higher Education, and can often help students get onto the career ladder far quicker.
Traditionally, apprenticeships were associated with practical occupations, such as construction trades, but have become increasingly popular in modern, professional sectors, including creative media, business and engineering. The government is committed to increasing the quality of training in new areas, as well as giving businesses more say in their development to ensure they meet the requirements of the job market.
Apprenticeship training is utilised across all areas of the business in some of the biggest companies in the world; Rianna Viggiano, a digital apprentice at Guardian News and Media, recently secured a full-time role as a Digital Marketing Assistant, and wrote about her experiences in a popular blog, proving that university isn’t the only path to career progression.
Slightly closer to home, Rowcroft Hospice have enjoyed great success with their apprenticeship scheme, delivered in partnership with South Devon College, promoting 2 apprentices to full-time positions. Naomi Bailey enrolled as an administrative apprentice and has secured a position as Community Team Junior Secretary, whilst Chris Murphy entered as an events apprentice before gaining a permanent position as Events Assistant.
With apprenticeship week fast approaching (from 14th March to 18th March), there’s never been a better time to find out about how an apprenticeship can help your business. Proven to increase retention, and instrumental in succession planning for some of the biggest companies in the world, apprenticeships are fast becoming a core recruitment strategy for market leaders.
If you want to see how the College can support you and help meet your business needs, email [email protected] or call 08000 380 123 today.
