Managers and staff at companies in the East Midlands have set out some of the reasons why taking on apprentices can prove a vital addition to a business.
They said apprentices had proved invaluable to their businesses, while their skillsets had helped their companies develop.
The 2021 National Apprenticeship Week runs from February 8 to 14, shining a light on the work being done by employers and apprentices across the country.
READ MORE: {}
This year it also recognises how employers have stepped up to the challenge of training up staff during this unprecedented time.
In the run up to National Apprenticeship week, three local company bosses have explained the value of apprentices to their businesses and how their skillsets have helped their company develop, particularly in light of the challenges over the last year.
More information about how to get involved in
Kicking off the week, apprenticeships and skills Minister Gillian Keegan said: “National Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to highlight the amazing opportunities that an apprenticeship brings to employers, individuals and the economy.
“It has been fantastic to see how employers of all sizes have gone above and beyond to ensure apprentices can continue their studies during this unprecedented time.
Most Read
"The week is also an opportunity to shine a light on how apprentices of all ages and backgrounds are helping to transform businesses across the country.
“As a former apprentice I know what a life changing experience it can be, and I’m looking forward to being part of National Apprenticeship Week 2021 and seeing first-hand the inspiring ways apprentices and their employers continue to deliver.”
Link ICT
The Derby-based outsourced ICT services provider made the most of a Government scheme to offer opportunities to apprentices for the very first time. It has had support from the £2 billion Kickstart programme, launched in July 2020 as part of the Government’s plan to try and slow the rate of unemployment among 16-24-year-olds.
In November Harry Barker joined the company as an IT infrastructure technician and Danielle Poulter joined the support team on a business administration apprenticeship.
Danielle, who has an MSc in criminology said: “One of the best things about being an apprentice is that you gain transferable skills for future employment which is invaluable in today’s harsh employment environment.
“The apprenticeship scheme has given me the kind of real life workplace environment experiences that many employers value.
Don’t miss
“These will definitely help my long-term career prospects.”
Essential Projects
The Bulwell-based metal and glass fabricators is an example of how taking on an apprentice can help small businesses expand.
Essential Projects makes glass and steel staircases, balustrades and other bespoke metalwork on behalf of leading retailers and commercial fit-out contractors.
It has worked on projects for Next Plc, Morrisons, Wilko, TK Maxx, Poundland, and Argos concessions in Sainbury’s stores.
Paige Beresford joined the company in September 2018, going on to pass her level 3 AAT qualification and play a key role in helping the owner-managed business bring in more robust project administration and financial systems.
Her skills have helped to improve customer service, project estimating accuracy, and highlighted areas to increase profitability.
Essential Project managing director Eliot Saxton said: “Although Paige started as an apprentice, she has been an influential figure in the success of the business and now plays an extremely pivotal role.”
Purpose Media
The Derbyshire website developers, creative and digital marketing agency has employed more than 20 apprentices since it was founded in 2008.
Managing director Matt Wheatcroft said: “Our experience proves that apprenticeship schemes are one of the best sources of talent you can get.
“Many of our team that have been nurtured through the apprentice route now hold middle management roles.
“This proves that employing apprentices can lead to success both for the employer and the apprentice.”