There are many benefits of offering apprenticeships as an employer. An apprenticeship is an alternative route to college and university, which combines both training on-the-job and working with studying. Giving apprentices hands-on, practical experience in the workplace whilst earning a salary and studying. Depending on the apprentice’s qualifications and experience, apprenticeships take between one and six years to complete.
Degree Apprenticeships are on the rise as an alternative to a full-time degree. Not only do they have benefits for the apprentice, but they also bring so many benefits to businesses within many sectors.
We would like to take this opportunity to discuss the benefits of offering an apprenticeship as part of your recruitment strategy.
Benefits of offering Apprenticeships
Wider Talent Pool
Due to potential financial implications when going to university, an apprenticeship is a great way for people to access their dream career without studying a degree full time. By getting practical experience earlier in their career than they would waiting until they graduate from full-time university, apprentices open up the talent pool for your firm a lot more. Offering apprenticeships increase the availability and level of talent you can attract. Apprentices tend to be motivated individuals who are keen to work and want to continuously upskill themselves. As a result, you will only be attracting the top talent, who are keen to learn and work.
Increased Loyalty
As apprentices work in your firm from one year up to six years, a level of loyalty will develop as they train with you right until qualification. As they become more engaged with the work and training, they will only want the best results for not only themselves, but for your firm as well.
Unique Training Opportunity
Offering apprenticeships present a unique opportunity to train an apprentice from the beginning of their career, when they have no prior experience. This gives you the opportunity to train them to have the skills required for your firm, making them more adapted to your company.
A Fresh Perspective
Furthermore, bringing in an apprentice who has different skills and experiences to other employees builds a dynamic team. They will have fresh ideas that you might not have considered before.
Increased Productivity and Motivation
According to Government research, 78% of employers said that apprenticeships helped them improve productivity. Also, apprenticeships are an effective way to upskill existing employees and motivate them to learn new skills, particularly those in junior roles.
Improved Recruitment and Retention
Supporting employee development builds loyalty and trust with your team. Therefore, reducing employee turnover due to an improved work well-being. Also, you will be positioned as an attractive employer who are known to support employees, improving the talent you attract when recruiting.
Flexibility of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are flexible. Today, there are so many different apprenticeships that employers can offer at different levels and in a range of subjects.
Apprenticeships are no longer just for school leavers. They can also be used to upskill existing employees – a fantastic tool for career development and professional development.
Funding Available for Apprenticeships
Government funding can be utilised for apprenticeships, to pay for some or all of the apprenticeship. Therefore, being more cost-effective.
Employer's / Business' Views on Offering Apprenticeships
BHP Law is a law firm who offers Solicitor apprenticeships. Here’s what they said when we asked why they offer apprenticeships…
“At BHP Law, supporting the next generation of lawyers is important to us. Ensuring that employees can thrive and have access to opportunities to start off their career remains a major part of our long-term plan and growth our business.
We are incredibly proud of all our Solicitor Apprentices. They show incredible maturity and commitment, juggling both work and studies. These are our future lawyers, and we feel privileged to help them achieve their goals.”
Clearly, BHP have a positive view on offering Solicitor apprenticeships. Evident here, offering apprenticeships can aid your businesses long term growth and development plan.
Amy Watson - Eventus Recruitment Group
At the Eventus Recruitment Group, our newly promoted Recruitment Consultant Lucy Evans is completing a Recruitment Consultant apprenticeship. Here, Lucy’s line manager, Amy Watson, answers some questions about her experience of offering apprenticeships as an employer…
What advice do you have for employers on supporting employees who are taking an apprenticeship?
To support apprentices, employers should make sure they have time for study, including the 20% off-the-job training they need. It’s also helpful to have a clear plan that ties the apprenticeship to their career goals so they can see how it all fits together. Creating a workplace culture that values apprenticeships make apprentices feel supported and part of the team. Being flexible, especially around exam times, helps apprentices manage their workload. And it’s important to remember that apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers – they’re a fantastic way to upskill anyone looking to grow in their career.
From a business perspective, what are the benefits of offering apprenticeships to employees?
Offering apprenticeships brings several benefits to a business. Firstly, they help develop a highly skilled workforce tailored to the company’s needs, as apprentices are trained in the specific skills required for the role. Apprenticeships can also improve employee retention, as apprentices often feel more loyal to a business that invests in their development. They can boost team morale and create a positive work culture, where employees feel supported in their career growth. Additionally, apprenticeships offer a cost-effective way to bring in fresh talent and upskill existing staff, while also benefiting from government funding or incentives in some cases.
What are the benefits of offering apprenticeships as a line manager?
As a line manager, apprenticeships offer several benefits. They provide the opportunity to develop talent from within, shaping apprentices to meet the specific needs of your team. Apprentices bring fresh perspectives and energy, which can boost creativity and innovation. They also allow you to build a strong team culture, where learning and development are prioritised. Mentoring an apprentice can be rewarding, giving you the chance to share your expertise while helping someone grow. Plus, apprenticeships can help reduce recruitment costs by nurturing existing employees and improving retention.
How does the apprenticeship programme support both personal and professional development?
The apprenticeship programme supports both personal and professional development by offering a structured learning path that combines practical experience with formal training. Professionally, apprentices gain job-specific skills, qualifications, and a deeper understanding of their field, which boosts their career prospects. Personally, they develop essential skills like time management, problem-solving, and communication, which help build confidence and independence. The programme encourages continuous learning, which not only enhances job performance but also helps apprentices grow into well-rounded individuals both inside and outside of work.
How are you measuring the success of the apprenticeship?
The success of Lucy’s apprenticeship in my team is being measured through several key factors. First, we look at how she’s applying her learning in the day-to-day tasks of recruitment, such as candidate sourcing, client management, and understanding compliance processes. Progress can also be tracked through her increasing confidence and ability to take on more responsibility. Regular feedback sessions with Lucy, where we discuss her strengths and areas for improvement, are important to gauge her development. Additionally, we’ll monitor her performance against specific apprenticeship milestones, like passing assessments and successfully completing practical projects. Ultimately, success will be measured by Lucy’s growth as a recruiter and her contribution to the team’s success.
Would you consider the apprenticeship route again for future employee development / recommend it to others?
Yes, I would definitely consider the apprenticeship route again for future employee development and would recommend it to others. It’s a great way to build a skilled workforce while providing employees with the opportunity to learn and grow in a structured way. It’s particularly beneficial for both new hires and existing team members, as it allows them to develop specific skills tailored to the role. For Lucy, for example, her recruitment apprenticeship is helping her gain practical, hands-on experience while also gaining valuable qualifications. It’s a win-win for both the employee and the business, and it’s a great way to foster loyalty and long-term development.
Words from Ellie Phillips, a Solicitor Apprentice
We were lucky enough to sit down with Ellie Phillips, a current Solicitor Apprentice at BHP Law, who gave us an interesting, first-hand insight into what an apprenticeship is like. Ellie began a 6-year Solicitor apprenticeship after completing her A-Levels.
Why should law firms take apprentices through the scheme rather than the traditional training contract?
“I think there are a lot of benefits for employers. There is so much to gain from hiring an apprentice. The firm has the opportunity to train someone from the very start of their career. Therefore they can provide the skills that they would want Solicitors to demonstrate upon qualification.
Apprentices are generally very enthusiastic and keen to learn. You have to consider that they have chosen this route. They have therefore chosen to start a 6-year journey, which they will surely aim to get the absolute most from.
I also think that apprentices can provide a fresh perspective and new approach that perhaps some law firms are lacking. Simply due to the traditional nature of the profession. There’s a lot this can do for the business as a whole. For example, as law firms look to keep pace with an ever-modernising world.
An example of this was that recently I pitched and designed the idea of a year 12/13 work experience programme. I’m really glad to say we have introduced this summer. I proposed this because I had observed the lack of opportunities available to students by their merit, as opposed to who they may know. Therefore, this programme invites students to apply to us through a fair application system, giving students an opportunity they may not otherwise have had. I was able to openly talk about the ‘it’s not what you know but who you know’ narrative. I’m pleased that I was supported in my ideas to begin making a change to that.”
When it comes to qualifying, what are the differences between a traditional trainee and a legal apprentice?
“I think as more apprentices qualify and move into NQ roles, we will really see the breadth and depth of experience they bring. I think apprentices will be able to demonstrate real skill and confidence. Perhaps beyond what might be expected of a traditional trainee who has spent less time in practice prior to qualification.”
Words from Lucy Evans on her Apprenticeship
Lucy Evans is completing a year’s apprenticeship, to support her training following her promotion from Resourcing Consultant to Recruitment Consultant.
We have asked Lucy some questions about her experience with the apprenticeship so far, so find out below what she has to say about them:
What benefits are there in completing your apprenticeship alongside your work?
“Doing an apprenticeship has allowed me to gain new skills and improve on skills that I already had. This has helped me develop my confidence within my role as a Recruiter.”
How do you balance your work, apprenticeship, and personal life?
“I think it’s important to stay organised and give yourself allocated time to complete your work. I’m lucky that all of my work for my apprenticeship can be completed in my working hours.”
What has been the most rewarding / important aspect to you of your apprenticeship so far?
“Being able to apply what I’ve learned in a practical setting has given me a greater understanding of the industry and helped build my confidence. Additionally, working alongside experienced colleagues has been invaluable, as I’ve received guidance and support that has enhanced my learning.”
How do you feel the apprenticeship has helped with your transition from resourcing consultant to recruitment consultant?
“The structured learning has helped me develop key skills such as relationship management, negotiation, and business development. The support and mentoring I’ve received has boosted my confidence in handling more responsibilities, enabling me to take on a more responsibility in my role with both clients and candidates.”
What skills do you think you have gained as a result of completing the apprenticeship alongside your work?
“The apprenticeship has deepened my understanding of the industry, giving me the confidence to take on more responsibility and make informed decisions.”
Conclusion
As discussed above, there’re so many benefits of offering apprenticeships in the modern workplace. Apprenticeships are now much more flexible for employers, with lots of options to suit individual business needs. Today, apprenticeships are for a range of people – people starting out in their careers to professionals wanting to upskill in their current role. For those starting out in their careers, apprenticeships are a great alternative to full-time education and provide businesses with an opportunity to get the skills they require without waiting for people to graduate from full-time education. On top of this, often funding can be utilised to support with cost offering apprenticeships.
We would recommend firms to consider offering an apprenticeship route in the future as both an alternative route into a profession and to upskill employees, for the benefits we have discussed above. If you would like to discuss more about how an apprenticeship can help your recruitment and retention strategies, please get in touch with us.
Further Reading
Solicitor Apprentice Ellie Phillip’s personal experience of Legal Apprenticeships. Read here.
