5 Benefits of Hiring an Apprentice for Small Businesses

Today, it’s not just large companies or traditional industries that are choosing to hire apprentices. Many small businesses find that it has become a very useful way to both recruit and train the right employees for their company, especially with apprenticeships growing in popularity with more industries covered than ever before. Here are some of the main benefits for small businesses who consider hiring an apprentice.

Boost Productivity

Many apprentices aren’t just there to work but they are also there to learn. Employing an apprentice is a great way to boost productivity in your workforce with studies showing that more than 80% of businesses enjoy more productivity overall after taking on an apprentice. And, bringing on somebody who is young, talented and willing to learn can bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to your workplace.

Improve Staff Retention

Many apprentices are looking to work somewhere on a long-term basis even after their apprenticeship is complete. Employing an apprentice can be a great way to boost employee retention as not only do apprentices tend to be more loyal compared to non-apprentice employees, but they also provide you with the option to teach them from the start and provide then with the skills and resources that they need to do their job well while enjoying it.

Tailor the Role to Your Business

Today, apprenticeships cover hundreds of different industries making it easier than ever to find somebody who is a good fit for your company. And, an apprenticeship can be tailored to a certain job role, making them a very flexible option when it comes to ensuring that your business needs are met. Since apprentices are very often working in this industry and learning industry-related skills for the first time, you have the added bonus of being able to train them in your way of doing things from day one without the need to worry about whether or not they have picked up any bad habits elsewhere.

Save Money

While many employers who take an apprentice on are willing to pay them more than the minimum, you can still save a lot of money by hiring an apprentice compared to taking on a ready-trained member of staff. If you employ an apprentice who is under the age of 25, you do not need to make any employer National Insurance contributions for them, and many apprenticeship programs are fully-funded with no additional cost to you.

Professional Training Based on Your Business

Finally, when hiring an apprentice, you will need to work with an external training provider who will tailor the training to ensure that the apprentice is gaining the necessary knowledge and skills for your business at a pace that is appropriate for them. You can learn more about finding a trainer provider at sites like Employing an Apprentice. They provide both employers and apprentices with all the information that they need on apprenticeships, their benefits, and how they work.

Whatever your business industry, hiring an apprentice has many benefits for your company and allows you to drive change by training the next generation of professionals.