Generally, apprentices are thought to be new hires who have just left school and want to train in a specific industry. While this is a great option both for school leavers and businesses, existing employees of any age are equally eligible for apprenticeships, especially of a higher and degree standard.
Specifically designed programmes
Some apprenticeships are designed to support those who want to progress their career (such as the Chartered Manager apprenticeship), while others are specifically designed to upskill experienced managers (such as the Kent MBA). This gives apprentices the opportunity to come together with other students in order to develop an entrepreneurial outlook and a wider perspective on management specific to their current skills and experience.
Flexible learning
Programmes are also tailored to your business, with a flexible learning approach which allows apprentices to learn around their time in the workplace. The academic programme of study for degree apprenticeships tends to be 80% on-the-job training and 20% off-the-job training, allowing them to learn both practically and academically.
Fresh perspectives
Degree apprentices are great at bringing fresh perspectives into your business, keeping employees up-to-date on new ways of thinking in your industry. This means that a degree apprenticeship does not just benefit the apprentice undertaking the programme, but will influence other employees in your business too.
Use the apprenticeship levy
Since May 2017, larger employees have been required to contribute to an apprenticeship training levy, with the government topping up funds by 10%. These funds expire after 24 months, so if you are required to contribute them it is worth using the levy to train or upskill your employees. As for smaller businesses, it is becoming increasingly popular (and it is very cost-effective) to use apprenticeships to train staff, as the government pay up to 100% of training costs. Thus, you can utilise the levy pot and fill skills gaps at the same time.
If you would like to boost your business with apprenticeships, register your interest by emailing apprenticeships@kent.ac.uk.