Building a better future

With National Apprenticeship Week still fresh in the memory it’s an opportune time to examine how apprenticeships can offer individuals the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on a fulfilling career within their chosen industry, whilst at the same time allowing employers to take on and retain highly skilled, ambitious operatives.

The theme of National Apprenticeship Week 2022 was ‘Build the Future’ (allied to the fundamental messages featured in the Build Back Better campaign), encouraging all parties to consider the ways in which apprenticeships can help individuals, employers, local communities, and the wider economy.

For employers, taking on an apprentice should be viewed as an investment in the future of the organisation – an ideal opportunity to address skills gaps, upskill the workforce and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that may lie ahead. Investing in a workforce helps to retain talent and apprentices gain the all-important skills and knowledge needed to drive your business forward, taking on the values of the company and contributing to the development of a confident, dynamic workforce with future-ready skills. Businesses that have previously taken on apprentices recognise the value they can offer and the swift return on investment that can be achieved.

After a tough couple of years, many businesses now have detailed plans in place as part of a nationwide effort to expediate a return to something approaching normality. Apprentices are a driving force in the campaign the build back stronger, with new starter levels rising steadily and a noticeable uptick in interest from businesses and individuals.

Following a week of positive messaging and apprenticeship success stories there is clearly plenty of momentum behind the apprenticeship movement and whether you are looking to take on an apprentice or to start an apprenticeship yourself, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Group Horizon apprenticeships are for both new recruits and existing employees and can help businesses meet skills demands whilst maintaining efficiency and competitiveness. View the full range of Group Horizon run apprenticeships at: www.grouphorizon.co.uk/our-courses