Firms urged to seize ‘golden opportunity’ of apprenticeships

East Midlands Chamber has called on employers to seize a ‘golden opportunity’ to find out more about the benefits of engaging with an apprenticeship scheme.

This week is National Apprenticeship Week, which aims to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

And the chamber’s director of resources, Lucy Robinson, is urging firms to discover how an apprenticeship scheme can benefit them.

She said: “Businesses who embrace apprenticeship schemes report excellent outcomes and, when you consider that six out 10 employers in the region have struggled to find suitably skilled candidates, according to the findings of our Quarterly Economic Survey, apprenticeships are an avenue worth exploring.

“What you get with an apprenticeship is a win-win for all parties – the business gets someone they can shape to the needs of that specific role, while the apprentice qualifies with the ability to carry out the actual tasks required.

“When recruiting, many businesses don’t have the luxury of time to train someone up that might be missing a few skills, while endless interviewing and long-winded sifting processes to find someone that can hit the ground running are painful for both the applicant and the hirer.

“The buzz of activity around National Apprenticeship Week is a golden opportunity for anyone dipping their toe in the water, whether a business or individual, to go a little further and explore the types and levels of apprenticeship that might be open to them.”

Those sentiments are echoed by Carol Dixon, director of employer partnerships at Derby College Group.

She said: “Apprenticeships play a crucial role in developing the skilled, adaptable workforce our region and economy need, offering individuals the opportunity to earn while they learn and gain industry-recognised qualifications that open real career pathways.

“We believe apprenticeships not only empower our learners but also strengthen the regional workforce, helping address skills needs and underpin sustainable economic growth.”