It strikes me that one of the words I have used, written or spoken more than any other in the last ten years is the word ‘apprenticeship’.
When I left the Government’s central apprenticeship policy unit after seven years, I thought I would leave it all behind. But it has followed me into roles in an FE college, a local university and now at STEM Learning.
"People are starting to realise that apprenticeships can be a credible and valued third option for young people, alongside a job or continued education."
It’s not just at work where talk around apprenticeships is common – the topic regularly comes up at home in family conversations or when we have friends and family around. When my own children were at secondary school, it was not unknown for them to bring friends home for careers advice on apprenticeships. Even to this day, I get asked if I can give advice on whether I think they are the right choice.
This really does go to show that apprenticeships are now part of everyday life and I’m encouraged that they come up in almost every education or employer meeting I attend. By now, people are starting to realise that they can be a credible and valued third option for young people, alongside a job or continued education, and I will continue to play my part in promoting their benefits at every opportunity.
"An apprentice is a real asset to an employer. An investment in their training is an investment in the business."
However, I am the first to accept that there is still much to be done with the apprenticeship programme to ensure everyone involved gets an equally high quality, high-value experience as that is currently not always the case.
All too often I find that is because one or more parties do not really understand the fundamental principles behind apprenticeships or what they are entering into, particularly so for employers who are constantly being offered an apprentice under the guise of ‘free training’! Yes, often the training element is fully funded, but that should not be the sole reason to take one on.
An apprentice is a real asset to an employer. An investment in their training is an investment in the business. They can bring fresh new ideas, vibrancy and an appetite to learn. Taking on an apprentice should be embedded in all HR recruitment exercises and considered equally alongside every vacancy that arises.
If you want examples of good and great apprenticeships, look no further than those in available in STEM industries. They are, in my opinion, the best entry route to a wide range of STEM careers as you can apply the skills alongside learning them – a winning combination!