Apprenticeships with businesses have often been looked down upon in favour of the more academic university route, however, this should not be the case. 

Universities remain a perfectly legitimate way to boost your prospects in the world but, at the same time, there are many benefits to the apprenticeship pathway. Apprenticeships pay you for learning and they give you genuine practical experience in a field of work. Usually, this process provides a guaranteed job at the end of it. 

This week has become an annual celebration for apprenticeships across Britain and the government wants to keep this appreciation going for years to come. 

You can find more about apprenticeships on the Gov UK website. 

Businesses around the UK should look to take on apprentices to fill vacancies within their workplaces. Employers can use the Gov UK website as a way of setting themselves up to hire apprentices. 

5 reasons why businesses take on apprentices:

1. Loyalty

It is difficult to generate loyalty in business but this is a great way to do it. You can take ordinary people, train them up, and take them on to your business. This is an organic way of producing that relationship between employee and employer. 

2. Cheaper workforce 

An obvious benefit is the economic one. People will work for you while gaining that experience, allowing you to pay them the apprenticeship wage – which is significantly less than the minimum wage. It allows you to be more productive without necessarily extending your budget too much. 

3. More productive

The more hands you have on deck, the more work you can get done. Opening the door for apprentices means that you will have more people able to contribute to the goals of the business. This should provide greater assurance that short and long-term goals are met.

4. Sustainability 

Workers who are trained up can then become trainers in the future. It is a fluid system that can lead to a trustworthy flow throughout the business. The apprentices can work their way up and become key figures within your business. It is a model that can work over and over again throughout the years.

5. Innovate business

It gives you a great opportunity to re-create or enhance the identity of your business. You can use these new workers as a method of designing that image and identity. Identity is really important for business. It can be the thing that makes you stand out from the crowd.

Business people can look to hire apprentices

On the flip side:

5 reasons why young people should consider going into apprenticeships themselves

1. It doesn’t come with debt

While university debt isn’t really treated like other debt, it is still classed as money that you have to owe if you earn over a certain threshold in your job. This will not be the case with an apprenticeship. You do not have to pay any kind of fees beforehand.

2. Gain experience

Hands-on experience is vital in any field or business. Even if you go to university or education-based courses, there is nothing that beats hands-on practical experience in a field of work. 

3. You get paid 

Apprentices get the opportunity to learn and earn a wage at the same time. This means that you can get the chance to take money while you grow to do the job. In many cases, you will have to volunteer or get a few breaks before you can get a job in the industry of your choice.

4. Make new friends

You will spend a lot of time with your colleagues and this gives you the opportunity to expand your friendship circle. 

5. Gain a purpose

An apprenticeship can give you a journey to follow. This can ensure that you are working towards something, keeping your life on track for a sustained period.