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Apprenticeships

Apprentices - good for business

What is an Apprenticeship?

Photo: An abstract shot of electrical wiring and a students' hands in the backgound. Apprenticeships are training programmes designed to be mutually beneficial to employers and the Apprentice.

Apprenticeships combine work-based skills and theoretical learning, while focusing on the job as a whole. They allow the employee to acquire and apply the skills, knowledge and understanding required by employers in specific professions.

If you are an employer you can recruit Apprentices or offer existing staff the opportunity to take up an Apprenticeship.

Benefits of Apprenticeships for employers

Over 130,000 companies currently take advantage of the benefits Apprentices bring to their business. Benefits to your business include:

Increased productivity
Improved quality standards
Increased staff retention and motivation
A more talented and diverse workforce
Greater competitiveness
Cost-effective, relevant training

Apprentices prove to be enthusiastic, loyal employees who work harder than non-Apprentices and the stats reinforce this message:

77% of employers believe Apprenticeships make them more competitive
76% say that Apprenticeships provide higher overall productivity
80% feel that Apprenticeships reduce staff turnover

(LSC National Apprenticeship Week research, 2008)

Where do Apprentices train?

Most of the Apprenticeship takes place in the workplace. Apprentices work alongside staff to gain the skills that businesses need and their skills are assessed in the workplace. An Apprentice would also usually train at City of Bristol College on a day release basis.