Apprentices don’t have to be new hires, and degree apprenticeships are a great way to upskill existing staff – this is why you should consider doing so.
It is a common misconception that apprentices have 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 higher and degree apprenticeship standards.
Specifically designed programmes
Regardless of the level apprenticeship, you can be sure that your staff will gain valuable knowledge, skills and behaviours needed in their job role. Apprenticeship Standards have been developed and designed by employer Trailblazer groups, and the training delivered ensures job competency is embedded throughout the apprenticeship.
Reshaping your workforce
While apprenticeship standards are designed with a specific job role in mind, the way they are implemented in your business can vary. For example, our Chartered Manager apprenticeship can be the ideal next step for team leaders, but it’s also a great option for managers who have never had any formal management training. Similarly, our Operational Research Specialist apprenticeship focuses on business analytics and big data. If you need expertise in these areas, apprenticeships offer an opportunity to train existing staff and develop new roles within your organisation.
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.
Cost-effective training
Since May 2017, larger employees have been required to contribute to an apprenticeship training levy, and can be used to cover 100% of the training fees. 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. Smaller employers can also benefit from apprenticeships by using government co-investment funding which covers 95% of the training costs, or by exploring levy transfer opportunities. You can find out more about funding apprenticeships on the Gov.UK website.
Find out more about making apprenticeships a key part of your recruitment and retention strategy by visiting our website or emailing recruitapprenticeships@kent.ac.uk