Chemical Business Association’s Post

📢 "Apprenticeships are only for young people." ❌ This isn't true: here's why ↓ #Apprenticeships can support people at most stages of their lives and transform the trajectory of their careers... Earlier this year we opened our entry-level apprenticeships to people of any age for the first time: enabling anyone to #upskill, reskill, restart their career, or even enter the workforce for the first time. Euan Blair: “The changing tech landscape proves that people of all ages need new skills, and the opportunity to reimagine what their career can be. "Whether someone is 16 or 60, we want to use apprenticeships to support them to build meaningful, sustainable, and well-paid careers." Hear from three mid-lifers who reset their careers by returning to the classroom to upskill 👇 https://lnkd.in/e9jbzQGf

Modern Apprenticeships are for all age groups. Shake the stigma off and look at what you could achieve. SP Training System People Apprenticeships

🌟 At Robert Gordon University, we take immense pride in the quality of our Graduate Apprenticeship courses, and a lot of that message focuses on the individual development of staff. But sometimes, a part of the story that goes under the radar, is the benefit that the employer and businesses as a whole gain from engaging with a form of apprenticeship. A report by the Department of Education revealed that 76% of employers saw a marked improvement in staff retention through apprenticeship training. This is an important theme that is being discussed amongst most sectors at present – "retention is the new recruitment." Having previously worked in commercial recruitment, I witnessed firsthand how regular staff turnover within companies created a perpetual cycle of instability, recruiting spend and diminishing staff loyalty. By embracing Graduate Apprenticeships, employers can instill a culture of retention and belonging, which in turn yields several key organizational impacts: 🔹 Reduced Turnover: Apprentices who invest in their development are more likely to stay loyal to the company, reducing turnover rates. 🔹 Higher Job Satisfaction: Graduate Apprenticeships empower employees to excel in their roles, leading to increased job satisfaction and decreased attrition. 🔹 Employee Engagement: Structured Graduate Apprenticeship courses keep employees engaged in their growth, contributing to long-term retention. 🔹 Positive Work Culture: Apprenticeships foster a supportive environment where employees feel valued, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty. 🔹 Advocacy and Referrals: Satisfied employees are your best ambassadors, attracting top talent and reducing recruitment costs. Considering the tangible benefits, it should be prudent for employers to explore how RGU Graduate Apprenticeships can optimize retention strategies and elevate overall company performance. 📈 Interested in learning more about our September course options? Drop me a message or contact the GA Team at GAEmployer@rgu.ac.uk to initiate a discussion and let's embark on a journey of growth and success together. #GraduateApprenticeships #EmployeeDevelopment #RetentionStrategies #RGUExcellence #BusinessGrowth Donella Beaton Sarah Hillyear Fiona Campbell Neale Farman Tomi Ibukun, AMEI Lydia Hunter Christina Laing Craig Paterson Elaine Anderson Katie Milne Dr Liam Waldron . Sam McKinstrie Skills Development Scotland RGU Alumni & Fundraising Scottish Funding Council

“Just an apprentice” That’s what a client said to me in the first half of my marketing apprenticeship… 🫠 At the time: - I was angry and upset. - Started questioning my skills. - And I struggled to push past it. (Even though I’d never spoken to this person, their words hit hard) Yes, I was an apprentice, but that didn’t mean I had any less skills or experience. Being young or new to the game doesn't make someone less capable than anyone else. 👉🏽 It’s a title, not a reflection of ability. So it’s crazy to me that people are still undervaluing apprentices?! Especially considering that: 1. Some apprenticeships are equal to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. 2. There is NO upper age limit for apprentices. 🙅♀️ 3. You can do one at various stages of your career. 4. Apprentices are studying & learning a shit tonne WHILST working! 👏 AND ⤵️ Apprenticeships found that: → 96% of employers who hire apprentices experience business benefits. → 78% of businesses see increased productivity from hiring apprentices. → 73% of employers say that staff morale is improved by having apprentices. ✋🏽 So stop underestimating apprentices & start recognising their value.

Had a great personal branding session this morning where we were challenged to write a post that reflects something we're passionate about (thanks Shelly O'gilvie 👀), and while i'd love to dedicate a lengthy post to Coventry City's struggles this season, I thought I should talk about Apprenticeships instead... I have no shame in admitting that an Apprenticeship never even crossed my mind during 6th Form - it was only once i'd dropped out of University (another thing I have no shame in admitting!) that I started looking, and only then it was because it seemed the 'easiest' route into a job. I was very lucky to secure an Apprenticeship at a great company, with some amazingly supportive people - shout out to Lizzie Hyde & Emily Bryant for that part - that has completely shaped my career. My Apprenticeship gave me an insight into the world of skills-based hiring, something I still work on and remain passionate about. It gave me my first exposure to working with clients, something that has been part of my day-to-day for the past 3 years. And it gave me the opportunity to create a network of colleagues, friends & mentors that I still value today. I know 'former Apprentice talks about how great Apprenticeships are' isn't a trailblazing post, but if just 1 person sees this and decides to go down the Apprenticeship route then it will have served it's purpose, because I wish at 18 I'd had someone tell me that it was going to be the best decision i'll ever make. So, if you know people currently looking at their next steps - whether it's students thinking about Uni, or just someone looking to change careers - please share this and let them know that Apprenticeships are the way forward ❤️

Hire an Apprentice! Invest in the future by hiring talent that suits your needs. It's easier than you think, with plenty of government support available. - For Small Employers: You can get government funding to cover 95% to 100% of the apprentice training costs. - For Large Employers: Use your levy to pay for apprenticeship training. Apprenticeships are suitable for people of any age and level. You can hire someone new or upskill a current employee, helping you build a motivated, skilled, and qualified team. Benefits include: - 🛠️ Providing on-the-job training in a safe environment - 📚 Creating a culture of learning and development - 😊 Improving staff retention and morale - 🌍 Promoting diversity and inclusion at work Take advantage of this opportunity to grow your business and support the next generation of skilled workers. 📞 Contact our friendly team on 01625 410022 to discuss further!

It has been all things apprenticeships for myself for #NAW2024 this week at Lincolnshire Co-op. Shelby Handson and I attended Boston High School yesterday to talk about all of the apprenticeships on offer from Lincolnshire Co-op, for their National Apprenticeship Week 2024 event. It was great to see how interested the students were and from the conversations we had we seem to have a lot of budding Travel Consultants in Boston! The opportunity was perfect to share what we do as a company, as well as to help inspire the students with all of their options when they leave school. At these events, I always like to speak to the students about what it is they would like to do - even if this is something we don't have to offer as a company. I will always try to provide some facts or knowledge relevant to their aspirations, I think it is important that the students take something away from us in these sessions. This week also marks 1 year since I started my Level 5 CIPD People Management apprenticeship with cHRysos HR Solutions Ltd! It has been a whirlwind of a year and it has honestly gone by in the blink of an eye. I feel I have developed so much looking at how far I have come in the last 12 months, and I look forward to completing the course this Autumn. Some take away points in reflection of what I've learnt over the last year: ⭐ Little and often - This is the best way for retaining information and getting the most out of study sessions. ⭐ Keep your peers informed - I have developed my knowledge so much more by having conversations in the office, there is so much you can learn from the people around you (plus, it makes the learning part that bit more fun!) ⭐ Don't let stress get the better of you! - As busy and difficult as times get, you have got the drive and determination to get through anything! Just believe in yourself that little bit more than you do! ⭐ Last but not least, take some time for yourself - Winding down and having a wellbeing moment is so good for you and your productivity. You've got to take the time for your own passions and hobbies to keep you going. Happy National Apprenticeship Week!

Leaving school at 16 was once a standard route for those wanting a steady career. In the 1980s, almost a third of students began work straight after school, starting trade apprenticeships or entry-level jobs in retail or manufacturing. In 1999 Tony Blair set his target for half of all children in the UK to attend university, an ambition achieved two decades later after years of steady increases and social change. Fewer than a fifth of pupils now leave education at 16. Could this be about to change? With two thirds of employers reporting issues with purportedly “entitled” graduates, some organisations are turning back to traditional methods to recruit entry-level staff at 16. Many of these new pathways offer professional qualifications and even the chance to study a degree from 18

The Power of Apprenticeships 🎓 Here at AMS, we're passionate about supporting our team's growth and development, which is why we've made apprenticeships an integral part of our hiring strategy. Our first apprentice, Lauren Pacheco MAAT, was a bright, curious and enthusiastic candidate who worked in our finance department until early 2020, when she left to travel the world. 🌎 Since then, Ella Barron, Eniola L., Emmanuel Wabwire and Matt Vickers joined us as apprentices and have since accepted full-time roles at AMS, and Erin Wills is due to complete her apprenticeship in August of this year. They continue to contribute to and help us grow as a business. In the wake of the pandemic, we've found apprenticeships to be an ideal way of expanding our team while offering long-term opportunities for growth and success. We actively seek out candidates with five critical skills that we believe are essential to success in any role: 1. Interpersonal Skills: The ability to communicate verbally and in writing effectively. 2. Grit: The determination and resilience to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. 3. Problem-solving: The creativity and resourcefulness to develop practical solutions to complex challenges. 4. Pride: A commitment to excellence and a desire to progress. 5. Intent: A strong desire to learn and grow as an individual. As an apprentice at AMS, they can learn from experienced professionals, gain valuable skills and knowledge, and build a career to be proud of. We believe in investing in our team's future, and to help them achieve their goals as individuals.💛 AMS as a business gains critical benefits from hiring apprentices, such as: 1. Tailored talent development – through bespoke training programmes and access to senior management, apprentices develop the skills required to help our business grow. 2. Increased productivity & efficiency – as apprentices gain experience and proficiency, they contribute to increased productivity and assist in alleviating workloads. 3. Enhanced employee retention – our apprentices feel valued and supported, leading to increased loyalty. 4. Innovation & adaptability – they are exposed to real challenges, encouraging them to think critically and develop innovative solutions. 5. Diverse perspectives & fresh ideas – Apprentices tend to come from myriad backgrounds, which generally means a unique experience and combination of skills that we as a business gain from. By continuing to invest in apprenticeships, AMS not only secures a skilled workforce but also contributes to a culture of growth, innovation, and effective communication that propels us toward sustained success!💫 Collette Symonds Director

The apprenticeship landscape is evolving, and we're at the forefront of this transformation! The potential shift from an apprenticeship levy to a growth and skills levy signifies a turning point. It's time to revolutionize how we engage with employers. This change brings both challenges and excellent opportunities. Read our blog about driving employer engagement below! Driving Employer Engagement: The Key to Apprenticeship Success - Zenith Training https://lnkd.in/eEXRf3rn