Is an apprentice right for you?

'We take on graduates not apprentices' 'We can't afford the time to train an apprentice' 'We need experienced staff not apprentices'

These phrases, or variations of them, are said by countless people every year who do not believe that an apprentice is right for their business. Now I'm not going to sit here and say that apprentices are the solution to everything, however I am going to sit here in my grand throne of authority and tell you that they should not be dismissed so easily.

Most people on LinkedIn will be familiar with the traditional recruitment process. Screening candidates who 'exaggerate' on their CV then realising that the chosen one joins your team with bad habits, not the skill set promised and can't make a decent brew to save their jobs... which at this stage it could.

At this point there is a decision to be made, is the traditional route of hiring for experience and accommodating the other flaws, the right way for your business. Or do you consider someone without the experience but overflowing with enthusiasm, passion and a genuine desire to grow into the role and business. Granted there will always be a place for experience, and every apprentice needs a mentor. However, is there not also a place for an injection of youth?

After 12 months of a Level 3 apprenticeship you have a member of staff familiar with your processes, teams and business. They are committed to you and appreciate the time you have put in with them, and now they are ready to take on more advanced challenges and courses to become that more experienced team member you needed.

12 months disappears very quickly, if you don't believe me just see how quickly Christmas comes around again! That 12 months can either be spent battling with unsuitable candidates, non-attendance of interviews and then poor cuppas, or we can sort the recruitment for you, give them relevant and modern training and make that 12 months a positive experience.

The world needs graduates (just look at me, a shining light of charm and sophistication), the world needs experienced people, but the world also needs the next generation of developers, IT technicians and digital marketers and it needs them quickly. Apprenticeships are the gateway to a whole new generation of digital and tech professionals, don't miss an opportunity until it has been explored fully.