How valuable are Apprenticeships to Employers?

There are a number of advantages to employers offering apprenticeships. Businesses can use apprenticeships to grow talent to effectively meet industry requirements. According to recent research carried out by an independent body (circa 2016) on the pilot phase of the ICT AP Tech Apprenticeship programme, 84% of the employers questioned 'welcomed the ICT AP pilot as a complimentary stream mechanism for growing tech talent'.

Its true that the Tech Apprenticeships take 2 years to complete but with time shared between on-the-job training and in-college training you as the employer do not have to wait until graduation to reap the awards. The economic value is almost instantaneous, you will receive an extra pair of hands (and for low cost at that) while they gain a qualification relevant to the skill sets you need to improve your products and services. Plus when the apprentice is qualified you will receive the added benefit of immediate productivity and they will be awarded with a pay-rise, so it is a win win situation for all involved. The government are also investing over €15,000 in training per student over the 2 years to help companies get talent to fill the skills shortages in a timely and cost effective manner, thus cutting down on the cost of upskilling and recruitment for companies.

Research carried out in Wales in 2015 fully supports the value of apprentices and presents a compelling case for organisations to take on even one apprentice: bottom-line boost of around 2,300 euros once wage and training costs have been factored in.  

• Apprenticeships are needed in the ICT Sector and the demand for new apprentices for the foreseeable future both in Ireland and Internationally  
• New apprenticeships in the ICT sector will have a positive impact on the national economy 
•  Apprentices will secure higher lifetime income than those with no qualifications 
•  Companies also gain from sponsoring apprentices and employing apprentices in a number of ways such as increased productivity and staff morale.  

One value of apprenticeships to employers that often gets forgotten is the practical skills that these employees acquire. Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly specialised in order to fill more identified specific skills gaps in industry. FIT had identified in a recent skills audit (2014) that at that time there were 7000 jobs available in the IT sector in Ireland and further identified that 5000 of these jobs could be filled at a Level 5/6 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). 80% of those hired recently in the sector tended to have third level education. Despite this growing trend, there continue to be a skills shortage (but in Ireland and internationally) that has the potential to be rectified with entry-middle level roles through the provision of FET and the new Tech Apprenticeships.  

Employing more staff could actually make you more money (especially as hiring apprentices is so cost effective) so while your outgoings will increase so may your profits. The technical ICT path is not simply a path for ‘IT Geeks’ — it offers technical training that can lead young people into project management, technical marketing and sales, as well as software development, delivery and problem solving.” There are real careers to be developed, professional skills to be learned and future business (or even country) leaders to be nurtured. Apprenticeships have evolved with many of them leading on to a degree path if so desired, and with the holistic approach that FIT use in their recruitment process, companies have access to real raw talent, but more importantly apprentices with enthusiasm, a great attitude and a real passion for IT. They can be 'molded' to suit your organisation and have a hunger for a career in IT recognising the opportunity that these apprenticeships afford them. Why wouldn't that kind of drive and ambition be of value to any company?

If your company would be interested in finding out more information or recruiting an Tech apprentice for your company please contact me [email protected] or on 087/9480985 Recruitment is now under way Nationwide. www.fit.ie