On a mission to inspire apprenticeship growth
ABRISTOL-BASED apprenticeship provider has urged local businesses to start thinking about how they can develop their workforce.
Professional Apprenticeships delivers technology and business apprenticeships in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas.
Unlike most providers or colleges, the company was actually set up by two former apprentices, Adam Rooke and Carina Bush, who are on a mission to inspire apprentice and employer growth.
Adam explained: “With more and more people spending their time online, it’s a really great time for businesses to take advantage of the digital revolution.
“But your firm may face a monumental struggle to go digital or you may fear being left behind by the competition.
“That’s why Professional ApprenAdam
By injecting young talent into an experienced workforce, the firm benefits from new ways of working
Adam Rooke
ticeships is here to help start your digital journey. We’re specialists in IT and digital apprenticeships and can help analyse your business needs to find you the very best young talent.”
So it’s no surprise the firm is sponsoring the Technology, Digital & Creative category at the Bristol Live & Bath Live Apprenticeships Awards 2021.
It’s certainly been a challenging 18 months as we all seek to recover from the financial and social effects of the global pandemic.
Economic growth will be at the core of that recovery and no more so than in the tech and digital sectors.
Adam said: “Although Carina and I have substantial experience in the education sector, we started out as apprentices ourselves.
“So we know first-hand the possibilities unlocked by a wellplanned apprenticeship. It’s a fantastic opportunity for employers to really benefit from fresh ideas.
“By injecting young talent into an experienced workforce, the firm benefits from new ideas and ways of working, fills skills gaps and achieves a balanced, diverse team.”
Having nurtured such a valuable resource, the firm worked tirelessly to support its apprentices during an extremely challenging 18 months.
said: “Our apprentices have shown a huge amount of resilience - some helping local businesses get through the worldwide pandemic while others even lost their jobs.
“We strongly believe in our duty of care with learners and their professional journey. Although only a small minority of our apprentices were made redundant, we helped the ones who did lose their jobs find new roles.”
Founded by apprentices for apprentices back in 2016, the company places emphasis on the recruitment and matching process to ensure that both the business and the young person find the perfect fit.
It believes there’s an apprenticeship out there for everyone and that the support it offers apprentices does not stop at the classroom.
Adam said: “There are many misconceptions around apprenticeships. Lots of people have a rather dated view so we need to shout about successes and educate business as well as potential apprentices.”
If you would like further information about taking on an apprentice for your company, call 0117 422 4000, email info@professionalapprenticeships.co.uk, or see the Professional Apprenticeships website.
Nominations for the Bristol Live & Bath Live Apprenticeship Awards close tomorrow. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 25. For more details and to nominate, see the website.