Apprenticeships are a smart solution to combat the skills gap, we just need businesses in the heat, water, air and energy sectors to understand them and support them better, says Jordan Burns Group Sales Director at Simon Acres Group.
It is clear that we are facing a severe skills gap and must all do more to attract young people into the industry, which is why Simon Acres Group is championing the apprenticeship route.
We know that there are many myths and misunderstandings about how they work, and what they offer but our own experience of bringing two apprentices into the company has shown us that it is one of the best career options open to young people.
Our two apprentices have brought so much into the business, not least a fresh outlook and new ideas. We have also gained the opportunity to integrate and train them into the way we work, and hopefully provide them with an attractive career path that will keep them with us in the long term.
By undertaking the process ourselves we have gained an understanding of how the system works, and the pitfalls, which we want to pass onto others.
The industry Careers Day that we are hosting on 22nd March 2023 will enable us to do this. We also have a line-up of expert speakers who will have the answers to commonly asked questions, and help us explore the barriers. Together we can find ways to address the issues, particularly in relation to why we don’t have more apprentices in the industry.
There are so many benefits, highlighted on the first Careers Day, which we held last year. Students on an apprenticeship have the opportunity to earn whilst they learn, an important factor during a cost of living crisis. Students also benefit from being in the workplace and gaining experience at all levels, as well as having access to mentors.
For the employer, they can claim up to 90% of the costs but they need to find the right provider. There are lots of providers but it is best to work with one that has experience in the sector.
If you are able to join us then please register here . If you are unable to attend there will be a live feed on the day so you can still contribute, follow us on LinkedIn to find out more.
