Why recruiting apprentices works – and we’re recruiting more

Hiring into a role offers many options for a business. If you are advertising for an entry level position, you might be envisioning a fresh university graduate joining your team, or a school leaver or career-changer.

Have you considered filling that role with an apprentice?

Apprenticeships have a long and rich history. They can be traced back to the 16th century when apprentices were trained in the arts of blacksmithing, candle making and tailoring. Their popularity peaked in the early 1900s, when an estimated 340,000 apprentices were trained in England every year. With numbers continuing to decline nearly 100 years later, as Tony Blair announced a target of 50% of school leavers to attend university.  

Now, as individuals weigh the benefits of a degree against the costs, interest in the apprenticeship route as an alternative to a university education has increased considerably. 

I have always believed in the value of apprenticeships. Both for the hiring business and the apprentice. You can see the results at Anderson Financial Management, where 3 out of our team of 9 have joined us through apprenticeships. And we’re looking to hire 2 more in 2021.

Here’s why.

In my experience, an apprentice will join the team with an open mind and are keen to learn all the skills in the business. No matter the department. What’s more, we have always pursued the apprenticeship route because bringing young people onboard is a great way to help shape your business for the future. 

Through your ongoing support, you can help to develop an apprentice, integrate them into the business and make future decisions with them. For us, it’s about developing a lasting relationship and not about hiring cheap labour (as I’m afraid to say I’ve witnessed from other companies). Seeing an apprentice shape their early career with you is a priceless experience.

Why are apprenticeships such a good alternative?

Apprenticeships are designed for those who want to get straight into the world of work whilst continuing their education at the same time. Because of this, apprentices are tenacious, meticulously organised and incredibly hard workers. What more could you want from an employee?

There are four levels of apprenticeship: Intermediate, Advanced, Higher and Degree. Each result in a different level of qualification. This gives both the apprentice and the business the flexibility to choose which route they wish to pursue, and the level of qualification they want to study towards.

We all know that there are many types of learners. Some are verbal learners, but apprentices tend to be hands-on learners, wanting to gain practical experience in their subject of choice while earning a wage. This is also why apprenticeships are a great option for career-changers. Allowing you to study for an industry-recognised qualification without the student loan debt associated with a more traditionally academic route.

I’d like to introduce you to Becky Keep.

Becky joined the team at AFM 5 years ago, after leaving college. She didn’t want to go to university, as she wanted practical experience in her chosen industry of financial services straight away. As well as the ability to earn a wage. Becky saw that an apprenticeship would give her 3 years’ experience by the time her peers graduated and joined the workforce.

Becky joined us as Office Administrator whilst studying for two Level 3 certificates in Financial Services and Customer Services. 5 years on, she is now our Practice Manager and has become an integral part of the business. We have continued to support Becky’s professional development beyond her initial apprenticeship, funding the Diploma she needed to become a qualified financial adviser. Becky now has a Diploma in Financial Services under her belt, which she passed with Distinction earlier this year.

Becky’s success is testament not only to her hard work, of course, but also to the flexibility that apprenticeships provide. Becky was able to choose her own units, that were tailored to her career interests, and could study in her own time whilst balancing her education with her career. And, in a generation struggling to get on to the property ladder, Becky signed the contracts for her first house on her 23rdbirthday. She thinks that, had she gone to university, that would certainly not have been the case.

Becky said: "Initially, I had two offers of apprenticeship/employment from two different companies. One of which was Anderson Financial Management. It was a no-brainer decision for me in choosing AFM."

I could really tell in my interview that they cared about me and my professional development. I wouldn’t be making teas and coffees all day. I’d hit the ground running and learn all about the business.

Becky became such an asset to the business that we swiftly brought on Luke and Victoria. Luke has completed a Level 2 apprenticeship in Business Administration and is now looking to focus on becoming qualified as a Paraplanner.  Victoria is currently working towards a Level 3 in Business Administration. 

Apprenticeships have taken my business to new heights. 

I was able to bring on board enthusiastic, talented young people who wanted to give their all to learn a professional skill. We’ve worked together, tailoring their roles to fit them and shaping the business with their input. 

If you’re a business looking to hire new recruits, I’d recommend an apprentice. And if you’re considering an apprenticeship but aren’t sure if it’s a good academic route, I can reassure you that they’re a brilliant option. You get to learn from day 1 and build your career from the word go.

Contact Becky Keep DipPFS, Practice Manager on becky.keep@sjpp.co.uk if you are interested in an apprenticeship with Anderson Financial Management.