Apprenticeships are a great way of breathing new life into your business.
After all, apprentices bring with them ability, fresh ideas and skills that can be tailored to the needs of your company.
And at supplying that pipeline of emerging talent is a top priority.
The college - one of the country’s leading apprenticeship providers and a proud sponsor of the - offers a plethora of courses suitable for all levels from traineeships to degree-level.
Options include
“Taking on an apprentice is like a breath of fresh air for a new employer because you bring in new skills, a new attitude, and a fresh approach to your business,” explains David Byford, director for employer engagement.
“It’s different to bringing in an employee because you also have the support of a quality training provider.
“It’s also about building a long-term and sustainable talent pipeline and if you can build an infrastructure, you can bring in lots of new talent.
“Often, there are no added costs too because of the apprenticeship levy and if it is a student aged between 16 and 18, it is fully funded and 95% of this is through the government.
“Certainly, for us, we ensure it is employer-led throughout the whole procedure and the initiative is built around the business.”
Suzie Drew, who heads up the business development unit, draws on her extensive experience in team management, sales, and new business development to ensure the best outcomes for both apprentices and employers.
“We want to empower our apprentices to be the very best that they can be,” she explains.
“We work hard to support employers, too, and are with them every step of the way as they bring on the next generation of talent.
“Strode is proud to provide a quality course, with quality employers to develop a quality student and build for the future.”
And it's a strategy that is paying dividends for both.
Wainwright & Co, an independent business that has been operating on the Mendips for 130 years, took on Strode College apprentice, Lily Chant, to complete her BTEC Business Level 4 qualification.
Lucy scooped the the company's Apprentice of the Year and was taken on as a permanent member of staff.
And field&flower, an award-winning business working with independent West Country farmers and fishermen which shares its sustainability values, weas delighted when Beth Atkinson, came on board as a team leading Level 3 apprentice.
Operations office manager at field&flower, Liz Wilson says: "The support from and from Beth’s tutor has been great, very flexible and supportive.
"I would strongly advise other employers to take on an apprentice. You can train them in your company’s way and they are keen to learn and gain practical experience within their chosen industry.
"An apprenticeship offers an opportunity to gain practical experience while you learn, and with no uni fees! I know from experience that employers are keen to employ staff who have gained relevant work experience along with their qualification.
"I would really encourage people to seriously consider the wide range of apprenticeship programmes and there will definitely be one that will suit you. University is not the only path to a degree or management-level qualification, and so get good unbiased advice from the team at Strode College.”
- For more details about Strode College apprenticeships
What you need to know about Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Awards 2022
Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Awards 2022 celebrate the achievements of the region's apprentices over the past 12 months.
The event is set to return to Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol, with a ceremony taking place on Tuesday, May 17 (6.30pm to 11pm) to recognise the achievements of apprentices working and learning in both cities.
Entries are open until Monday, March 21. To submit a nomination and to find out more about entry requirements, visit the event's
