Understanding how adult apprenticeships can benefit your business can lead to innovative talent development strategies. There’s a common misconception that apprenticeships are exclusively for individuals aged 16 to 24, but this is far from the truth. Adult apprenticeships are designed for anyone eager to learn new skills or trades, regardless of age.
Since their introduction in 2008, adult apprenticeships have gained significant traction, growing year after year. These programmes enable adult learners to acquire valuable skills and qualifications that can pave the way for higher education. Including Degree and even Master’s Degree levels.
By embracing adult apprenticeships, businesses can build a highly skilled workforce while providing employees with valuable career advancement opportunities. Investing in adult apprenticeships not only helps individuals develop new capabilities but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within your organisation.
Adult apprenticeships are a powerful tool for upskilling your team and ensuring your business remains competitive in today’s evolving market. Discover how investing in adult apprenticeships can transform your talent strategy and drive long-term success for your organisation.
Why become an apprentice?
According to commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn06113/ 48% of the apprenticeships started in 2022/23 were by people aged 25 and over, while 23% were aged under 19 and 29% were aged between 19 and 24. They’ve chosen the apprenticeship route as a means of learning a new skill to develop a new career. Employers often say that more mature apprentices can bring much to the business. Adult apprentices have often already developed
- self-discipline
- reliability
- responsibility and
- a work ethic
Adult apprentices bring valuable, transferable life experience to the workplace, meaning they typically require less support in adapting to professional environments. This allows employers to benefit from their maturity and skills right from the start, enabling them to make meaningful contributions earlier in their training programmes.
By choosing adult apprentices, businesses can tap into a workforce that is quick to integrate and ready to deliver value, ensuring a more efficient and productive training experience..
Adult apprenticeships come with access to various financial support funds. These can help cover expenses such as travel and childcare costs. This additional funding makes apprenticeships a more accessible and affordable option for adults. while also benefiting employers looking to upskill their workforce.
Employer Benefits
78% of employers report increased productivity after introducing an apprenticeship scheme. Apprentices are generally eager to learn and enthusiastic about the qualification they’ve chosen.
For employers an Adult Apprentice can provide a less risky way of getting new employees without experience and developing them into employees with experience. There are many stories of how employers have used Adult Apprenticeships to attract good calibre people that can be moulded by the employer. It’s a great way to strengthen your workforce and succession planning to proactively cope with future challenges.
In the current market employers are finding it increasingly difficult to find qualified experienced people. Understanding how adult apprenticeships can help my business allows employers to tap into new pools of candidates.
Apprentices also qualify for funding support under the Apprenticeship Levy making this approach even more affordable than ever.
If you’d like to speak to us about how adult apprenticeships can help your business, give us a call now on 01706 565332
