Here at JFC Training College we offer free support to employers in and around London to set up apprenticeship schemes and recruit the best people for their business.

Here are five key benefits of apprenticeships:

1. Apprenticeships provide skilled workers for the future

Apprenticeship training helps employees to improve their skills, which will benefit the company in the long term.

An apprenticeship will also ensure that the skills developed are matched to the company’s future needs. This will help fill any skills gaps and allow the business to source future managers and leaders from within.

2. Apprenticeships increase staff loyalty and retention

Employees who have been trained in-house tend to be highly motivated, committed to the company and supportive of its business objectives.

An apprenticeship encourages employees to think of their job as a career and to stay with the company for longer, which reduces recruitment costs. Offering an apprenticeship to an existing member of staff shows that you see them as an integral part of the workforce and are happy to invest in their future.

According to data from the National Apprenticeship Service, 92% of companies that have taken on apprentices believe this leads to a more motivated and satisfied workforce and 80% have seen a significant increase in employee retention.

3. Apprenticeships increase a company’s bottom line

Investing in staff trained through apprenticeships has a positive effect on a company’s finances, making it more competitive.

National Apprenticeship Service data has shown that 81% of consumers favour using a company that takes on apprentices. You can even calculate the return on investment of an apprenticeship on your business on the organisation’s website.

Furthermore, as companies receive funding for each apprentice they take on, it means they don’t have to spend as much to recruit new staff.

4. Apprenticeships free up existing staff time

As a business grows, staff often find their time is taken up by smaller tasks when they should be concentrating on their key areas of work.

Delegating these basic jobs to an apprentice allows them to learn and take responsibility, while freeing up the time of your more experienced staff. Better allocation of work should make your business more productive.

5. Apprentices can revitalise a company

Apprentices often bring a fresh approach and a positive attitude into the workplace, which can have a knock-on effect on existing staff. By embarking on an apprenticeship, they are showing themselves to be willing to learn and can bring new ideas into the company.

As apprentices come from a range of backgrounds – including high-calibre candidates who do not want the costs of going to university – they can bring fresh insight into your business activities.

Finally, a company that is willing to invest in people by supporting apprenticeships is showing a positive approach to Corporate Social Responsibility, which is good for attracting both customers and future high-quality staff.

According to the British Chambers of Commerce;

· 78% of apprentice employers state that apprentices increases business productivity. On average completed apprentice increase business productivity by £214 per week.

· 69% of apprentice employers state that apprenticeships reduced staff turnover

· 73% of apprentice employers state that apprenticeships generate a more motivated and engaged workforce

· 75% of apprentice employers state that apprenticeships have helped reduce recruitment costs

For more information on how we can assist you in recruiting an apprentice please contact us