There has been an increase in the uptake of apprenticeships across UK industries and with good reason – there are many benefits for employers that apprentices can bring to their business. With more than 600 different apprenticeships available, it is an attractive option to not just young people, but those of all ages and abilities to earn while you learn and boost your career.
Birmingham based Skillsfirst Awards is part of the Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) and designs and develops qualifications and assessments that inspire people to fulfil their personal goals and drive their careers forwards.
Naturally, they are big advocates of apprenticeships and will once again be sponsoring the Apprentice of the Year in health, education and care category at the Greater Birmingham Apprenticeship Awards.
Skillsfirst’s chief business development officer, Fraser Ingham, believes there are many benefits to employing an apprentice. He said: “We know that employers that have taken on apprentices see improved workforce retention, loyalty and productivity. They are also a brilliant way to fill skills gaps in an organisation.”
He put this down to the nature of the programme, developed by employers to meet a national standard, meaning apprentices get a more holistic view of the sector.
He said: “An Apprenticeship is a big commitment, at least 20 percent of your time is off the job learning. For young people, they are a fantastic first step onto the career ladder, but they also have a key role in upskilling people of all ages.
“We work in sectors such as Health & Social Care, Hair & Beauty and Early Years, where there are a lot of skills shortages, apprenticeships are helping to address some of these challenges.”
Skillsfirst is not only sponsoring the awards, but is also part of the judging panel and Fraser is excited about seeing the nominations. He said: “Apprenticeships qualifications and assessments make-up 90 per cent of what we do as a business and to support them in the city where we are based is important.
“I love to hear about those apprentices who have gone the extra mile, really embraced the experience, used what they’ve learnt to make improvements in the place in which they work or had a positive impact on their colleagues, perhaps as an ambassador for apprenticeships within their businesses.
“The Awards are also a great opportunity to recognise those people who have achieved their apprenticeship in difficult circumstances.”
The Greater Birmingham Apprenticeship Awards, in partnership with the Ladder for Greater Birmingham campaign, will recognise achievement across 12 separate categories.
Run by BirminghamLive in association with our dedicated B2B website BusinessLive, the awards will celebrate individual excellence in six different business sectors alongside recognition for companies of all sizes and training providers.
The deadline for entry to the awards is Friday September 23 and the ceremony takes place at Edgbaston Stadium on Friday November 11. For entry criteria and to submit a nomination please visit our awards website here
Please email [email protected] for further information or to enquire about sponsorship opportunities and follow the hashtag #GBAA for updates on social media.
