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TRAINING
on the negatives, we wanted to look at what has gone right.
Major technological advancements, shifts in improved culture,
more supportive and safe environments, better leaders, better
infrastructure and whilst there will always be challenges what a
great time for young people to join an Industry which is dynamic,
fast paced and exciting.
In 2020 Ready4Work Community Interest Company a not-forprofit
organisation launched School of Thought to engage with
education, dispel the myths surrounding the industry and promote
the career opportunities in schools, colleges, universities and
community groups.
Roll forward to where we are today and the results are moving
in the right direction with over 100,000 students connected with
the industry, millions can now find us, we are visible! Achieved
through investment with organisations working on careers events
in the education sector, hundreds of volunteer ambassadors,
relationships with colleges and ultimately helping to place young
people through work experience, apprenticeships and internships.
Businesses need to understand the needs, requirements and
expectations of young people coming into the workplace. The
salaries, onboarding, support and mentoring needs to be attractive
and effective to keep new recruits engaged and reduce the
numbers leaving during trial periods and apprenticeships. Young
people need hope and security that they have a future.
With technology moving at such a pace and predictions that
the shortage of technicians with the required skills will be in the
thousands by 2030 the industry needs to focus on this challenge
to make sure we have the talent for the future. Not just students
but also people looking for career changes from other industries
who may have transferrable skills and experience. An untapped
resource as we chase for the elusive “ready-made” technician who
can hit the ground running.
The revolving door of technicians is not a sustainable model.
Businesses need to improve retention to keep people they have
invested in. Apprenticeships are an exciting option for both the
apprentice and employer if managed properly. You can employ
apprentices at different levels, from school leavers and university
graduates, to people who want to further their careers or change
career direction completely. You can recruit someone new or
upskill an existing employee.
The 16-18 year old apprenticeship range is only a small part,
apprenticeships have now have no barriers to age. There are
apprenticeships in mentoring, coaching and supervision, all
the things you need to help develop young people. As our age
increases so does our desire to seek out more meaningful
work, what a fantastic way to reward all those with experience,
knowledge and skills to pass onto the next generation.
As an employer, if you do not have access to an apprentice levy,
you can get 95% funding from the government to help pay for
apprenticeship training. In some areas they also have funds for
supporting local businesses for upskilling employees.
You can spend as much with recruitment companies trying
to find the next employee as you would spend investing in
apprentices and other talent programmes.
Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way to grow
talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.
l 86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop
skills relevant to their organisation
l 78% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve
productivity
l 74% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve
the quality of their product or service
Apprentices who are trained properly will, after a few months
contribute to the profitability of the company and even more
as they progress so it’s important to have a retention scheme in
place to keep them in your business. Savings clubs, driving lessons,
achievement awards will help to keep great people in a great
business. None of this is new it’s just we have forgotten some of
the good things the industry used to do.
Doing nothing is not an option and Ready4work CIC’s School of
Thought Programme is available to every business large and small
and it all starts with a chat. As an organisation we have made great
strides but we are only on the start of the journey and you are
welcome to join us.
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