Modern Apprentices can contribute some business sorcery

Between The Lines Tony March

This year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week (5 to 9 March) provides the perfect opportunity to draw attention to the important role Modern Apprentices play in the businesses and other organisations in which they work.

Modern Apprenticeships give people in Scotland the opportunity to combine learning with real business experience while earning a living. The Scottish Government’s commitment to having 30,000 Modern Apprenticeship starts by 2020 will ensure more young people have the opportunity to follow career paths that may not have been open to them previously.

Organised by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Scottish Apprenticeship Week celebrates the benefits apprenticeships bring to businesses, individuals and the economy.

Recruiting a Modern Apprentice enables employers to fill the skills gaps that exist within their workforce as apprentices begin to learn sector specific skills from day one.

In addition to eager, motivated staff who are committed to on the job training, industry research has highlighted numerous benefits of apprenticeships. These include a significant increase in employee retention, a more competitive organisation and a motivated and satisfied workforce.

At national water retailer Wave, a joint venture between Anglian Water Business and NWG Business, our apprentices play a major part in our success. We aim to provide an environment where their commitment and our high standards offer unique career opportunities. As highlighted already the benefits can be immense, to both the individual and the organisation, leading to improved productivity, morale, staff retention and quality of service. Plus, businesses get help with training, funding and recruitment and apprentices often help to upskill existing staff.

This a great time to recognise the valuable job all of Scotland’s Modern Apprentices do and the vital role they play in so many businesses.

Show your support for Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2018 by making the promise to recruit a Modern Apprentice during the next year. l Tony March, Head of Public Sector, Wave