The value apprenticeships can add to talent planning and increasing diversity of thinking.

It’s day four of National Apprenticeship Week! Today we chat with Lauren Dolezel, a senior leader in Residential Mortgages, on the value apprenticeships can add to talent planning and increasing diversity of thinking…

As a senior leader in the business, what’s your view on the value of apprenticeships?

It’s an important channel in which to bring fresh talent into our area and a great way to start a career within our organisation. It allows a diversification of your teams, with the ability to bring in people not only from different backgrounds, but with different experiences and different stages in their lives and careers. It allows you to build your teams for the future.

How have you looked to create opportunities within your area??

In some of our larger teams we have filled existing positions with apprentices, allowing them to have the support to learn and develop from more experienced team members. We have identified roles that fit nicely with apprenticeships - that don’t require years of experience but allows them to start (or change to) a career in finance.

Talk to us about the initial few weeks and months for one of your apprentices – how are they supported?

The apprentice will follow an onboarding and induction plan, heavily supported by their manager and their new team. There is a full training plan and phased approach taken to ensure it’s easy to adapt to role, the team and the business.

Are there any challenges you’ve faced?

Initially it’s getting the balance right?- how many apprentices can one team support at any one time is a key consideration. Changing up interviews to meet the experience of the candidate and ensure they are relaxed throughout the process. During the pandemic, some apprentices did experience delays with their modules/assessments which couldn’t be helped, but we’ve worked hard alongside our training partners to ensure we keep their development moving in the right direction.

How have apprenticeships positively impacted succession planning?

A lot! Our apprentices all go on to either become SMEs in their area, diversify into more specialist or technical roles or step into management or leadership roles. More recently, we’ve put in place apprenticeship learning for existing members of the team, supporting in-role career development. This has allowed the individuals to put into practice the learnings in a supportive environment and demonstrate they are ready and building their skills for their next opportunity.

And lastly, what advice would you give to other leaders considering taking apprentices in their teams?

That they are 100% a great idea and initiative. They bring new ways of thinking and an energy to your teams, as well as individuals who want to start their career and grow it with you.