How apprenticeships can really boost your business
West Berkshire Training Consortium calls on firms to develop staff and bring in new talent
AS the end of the academic year and exams loom into view, many Year 11s and 13s are considering their options for when the exam results are released in August.
While Covid changed the shape of exams over the last two years, it also changed how young people view their options, with many more considering apprenticeships as an alternative to university.
Claire Richards, interim executive director of Newbury-based apprenticeship provider West Berkshire Training Consortium, commented on the opportunities open to young people and highlighted how apprenticeships are also a great option for people already in employment.
She said: “We are really pleased to see a growing interest in apprenticeships following the pandemic.
“This is reflected in the number of apprenticeship vacancies we currently have from local employers.
“Everything from teaching assistants to project managers and engineering are currently in demand.”
She continued: “The real benefit of undertaking an apprenticeship is the chance to learn real-world skills on and off the job, while still being paid.
“Our apprentices go on to very successful careers and the quality of our trainers and assessors is second to none.
“With over 35 years’ experience in the sector, WBTC is the go-to training provider for many Newbury employers.”
West Berkshire Training Consortium also works with employers to help upskill their existing staff.
If organisations are not using their apprenticeship levy, they can donate some of their funds to support other organisations to train apprentices
This is particularly relevant to those large organisations that already pay into the apprenticeship levy to fund apprenticeship training.
If organisations are not using their apprenticeship levy, they can donate some of their funds to support other organ
isations to train apprentices.
WBTC can support with this process under its 100 Apprentice Challenge.
Mrs Richards concluded: “Apprenticeships are an excellent way to either introduce new talent or to develop existing staff to improve the performance
of your team while creating a pipeline of highly-trained staff ready to join your industry.”
For more information about apprenticeships or to apply for an apprenticeship vacancy, visit https://www.wbtc-uk. com