BUSINESS
IS
GOOD
FOR
APPRENTICES
Chambers of Commerce:
Delivering apprenticeships
across the UK
About this report
The British Chambers of Commerce is the national body for a
powerful and influential Network of Accredited Chambers of
Commerce across the UK; a network that directly serves not
only its member businesses, but the wider business community.
The publication of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)
report, ‘Skills for Business: More to Learn?’, in which more than
6,000 businesses from across the UK took part, highlighted
how the education system in its current form is not meeting
the needs of British business. The report showed that only 29%
of businesses are very or fairly confident in recruiting a school
leaver with A-Levels or the equivalent. These findings are
troubling, especially in light of figures that reveal the number
of young people currently not in employment, education or
training has exceeded one million. Business continually argues
that apprenticeship programmes are an effective tool to
improve the skill set of young people. This will be fundamental
in improving the employment opportunities of school leavers
and in reducing the skills gap that currently exists in the UK.
Representing 100,000 businesses who together employ more
than 5 million employees, the British Chambers of Commerce
is The Ultimate Business Network. Every Chamber sits at the
very heart of its local community, working with businesses to
grow and develop by sharing opportunities, knowledge and
know-how.
Written and researched by
Adam Reid, Policy Researcher, BCC
Thanks to our participating
Chambers
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce
Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce
Doncaster Chamber of Commerce
Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
London Chamber of Commerce & Industry
North East Chamber of Commerce
St Helens Chamber of Commerce
Acknowledgements
Adam Marshall, Director of Policy and External Affairs, BCC
Anne Tipple, National Skills Executive, BCC
Abigail Morris, Policy Adviser, BCC
John Wastnage, Policy Adviser, BCC
Design and layout
Sarah Jarvis, BCC
British Chambers of Commerce
65 Petty France, London, SW1H 9EU
T: 020 76545800
F: 020 76545819
E: [email protected]
W: www.britishchambers.org.uk
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APPRENTICES ARE GOOD FOR BRITAIN
APPRENTICES ARE GOOD FOR BRITAIN
About the BCC
The BCC has collected case studies from Chamber members
across the UK which outlines the real experiences of businesses
and learners throughout the apprenticeship process. These
case studies range from instances where an apprentice has
been offered a permanent job at the end of their course, leading
to further promotion and successful careers; to cases where an
employer has tried to offer an apprenticeship programme but
barriers, such as perceptions of certain industries by schools or
colleges, or rigid apprenticeship frameworks, have prevented
this.
JANUARY 2012
Table of contents
„„ Apprenticeships benefit business
„„ Role of the candidate
„„ Role of the school or college
„„ Experiences of learners on apprenticeship
page 4
„„ Civic Duty
„„ Local Chambers promoting
Page 13
„„ Recommendations
page 15
courses
apprenticeships
page 7
page 8
page 10
Page 14
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4
Research by the BCC found that for businesses that have
taken on an apprentice, the vast majority (82%) have done so
to increase the skills capacity within their organisation. Most
businesses within the Chambers network reported a positive
experience of apprenticeship schemes. Some of these examples
are listed below.
We’ve found that apprentices are committed, hardworking and bring fresh ideas. Having them on board
is important to us as they are the people who are going to be
the future of the organisation, making sure that our company
is viable and that we have the skills to deliver our future
objectives.
We also find that people who come into the organisation as
an apprentice are more likely to stay with us long term. Of
the apprentices we’ve recruited over the past six years we
have on average a 90% retention rate, which is really effective
for us and shows that the commitments that we’ve put into
developing these young people has paid off.
Helena Partnership, St Helens
Overall it has been a very positive experience for all of us. The
Chamber helps us with the recruitment process by supporting
us in selecting the candidates and the young people who apply
for the programme are obviously keen to find a career for
themselves, which means we can find the right people.
VCL Stair lifts, St Helens
Apprenticeships have proven to be fundamental to the
success of my business. Most of our staff have completed
our apprenticeship programme and nearly all of our supervisors
are former apprentices. Apprenticeships are a key part of our
long term recruitment programme.
We like to recruit apprentices because they can learn the
business, they are loyal and you get to know them. This is what
gives our business a competitive edge.
Kevin McLoughlin, Painter and Decorator, London
Apprenticeships benefit business
APPRENTICES ARE GOOD FOR BRITAIN
APPRENTICES ARE GOOD FOR BRITAIN
Apprenticeships benefit business
We never consciously made a decision to offer
apprenticeship placements, but after taking on our
first apprentice we haven’t looked back. Since offering
apprenticeship placements our business has been
growing at an astonishing rate. We put this down to
our training programme. Since 2007 we have taken
on 16 apprentices and all of them have gained permanent
employment with us.
CUB, Cambridgeshire
Some customers have also commented on the benefit that
apprentices add to businesses:
I am writing to express my delight in the excellent service
I received in the Co-operative food store. When I last
visited the store I was extremely impressed with the young
man there, who helped me with my queries and even asked if
I needed any help carrying my shopping to the till. I would like
to express my gratitude to this young man and look forward
to visiting the store again.
The Midcounties Co-operative, West Midlands
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Role of the candidate
One business stated that they prefer to recruit apprentices
over applicants who have completed other forms of training:
Whilst apprenticeships offer a good opportunity for both the
learner and the employer to improve skill sets, the programmes
are candidate dependent; the success of the programme
rests on the determination and personality of the apprentice.
Unfortunately in some cases, negative business experience of an
apprentice can over shadow any previous positive experiences.
This gives us the opportunity to shape and train our
apprentices to fit the company’s needs. In a specialist,
niche market such as ours, your workforce is your most
valuable asset. It’s essential our team are well trained and
act as ambassadors for the company when on our site.
We believe apprenticeships are the best way for us to stay
competitive and increase our market share.
Multiplex Engineering, Derbyshire and
Nottinghamshire
We have in the past found it difficult to recruit staff
with the correct skill set and work attitude. It has been
the biggest constraint we have faced as a business. It was
therefore a conscious decision to find a training solution to
meet our needs. The IT industry is one that is constantly
changing – new developments, tighter margins and new
competition – we needed staff trained with not only the
right skills but also with the right attitude to be able to cope
in this environment. Apprenticeships have proven this.
CCS Media, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
Whilst the feedback above is very positive, one business noted
that the benefits are not immediate and companies have to
invest time and resources in order to reap the rewards:
You have to be committed and put in the time and
effort to help apprentices develop, but as you watch
them improve week by week it is an extremely positive
experience and I would recommend it to any business.
VCL Stair Lifts, St Helens
APPRENTICES ARE GOOD FOR BRITAIN
APPRENTICES ARE GOOD FOR BRITAIN
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Apprenticeships benefit business
We had some good experiences with apprenticeships
but one negative experience with someone who was
immature and lacked work ethic.
Dixon Timber, Doncaster
In 2010 we decided to employ three apprentices who
were undertaking an apprenticeship in Business and
Administration. I set out a full week programme which covered
everything they could possibly need to know as well as a role
play to help build their confidence.
During the week they were all consistently late, were dressed
inappropriately and portrayed an “I don’t want to be here
attitude”. Each apprentice completed their training that week
and were given their daily tasks, a computer for their use which
had all the applications they needed and had been covered in
the training programme. When it came to undertaking their
tasks, it became apparent that they didn’t want to be working.
They felt that they had to do something after school and this
was the easiest option as they got paid.
ACS UK Ltd ICT, Doncaster
This employer’s experience has put them off wanting to offer
apprenticeship programmes in the future.
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8
In other cases, businesses have tried to recruit an apprentice
and have found a candidate who would be suitable;
however schools’ outdated perceptions of certain industries,
combined with teachers’ encouragement to pursue academic
qualifications, has made it difficult for businesses to secure the
best candidates.
In the past I have lost out on good apprentices because
schools have talked their students into going to sixth form
at the last minute rather than pursuing a vocational option.
Dixon Timber, Doncaster
We have had positive experiences of apprenticeships but
it has taken time to get this right. We have been working
with two neighbouring schools for six years and it has taken this
time to effectively tackle misperceptions of the manufacturing
sector in school staff and students alike. However, the firm is
now getting high calibre school leavers.
Optima International, Doncaster
We have had positive experiences with Doncaster College
on the financial training side (apprentices) but had a bad
experience regarding engineering. Consequently we use other
providers. The problems were caused by a lack of transparency
and a lack of helpfulness from the college.
Jenkinson Electrical Engineering, Doncaster
Role of the school or college
APPRENTICES ARE GOOD FOR BRITAIN
APPRENTICES ARE GOOD FOR BRITAIN
Role of the school or college
We feel that colleges are offering courses they want
to offer, not what is needed for our business. There is a
lack of programmes in certain disciplines, such as sales and
marketing, and some colleges delivery of other programmes
is far too rigid. It is fundamental for schools and colleges to
work towards needs of local business rather than maintaining
the college’s status quo if in the future we are to have an
effective and productive workforce.
CUB, Cambridgeshire
The BCC report ‘Skills for Business: More to Learn’, found that
whilst some businesses are keen on offering apprenticeships
the majority (54%) do not find them relevant to their business
sector. This is typically because apprenticeship frameworks are
developed too slowly, particularly for businesses that are reliant
on technology. One business argued that:
I have always been interested in looking at apprenticeships
for web/animation but there has never been any support
for it. The current IT based apprenticeships are either about
using ICT or technical ICT (hardware/network support etc).
I have discussed with Connexions and the college in the past
about trying to create a CDI apprenticeship when there was
a significant investment in apprenticeships a couple of years
ago. I argued that CDI is a growth sector for the region but
there is very little available for people to enter the market and
apprenticeships would be perfect as no school courses tend to
prepare someone adequately for actual work in the sector.
Software Development Company, Doncaster
If the BCC’s recommendation of creating more modular
frameworks for apprenticeship programmes is realised, then
businesses would feel more able to offer these programs,
delivering both transferable and specialist skills.
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10
Whilst learners are not directly members of the Chamber of
Commerce network, it is still important to note their experience of
the apprenticeship process.
I’ve found the combination of learning while you’re
working to be very useful; I’ve learnt a lot of new skills
and gained experience in working with colleagues in a business
environment. I’ve also developed a lot more confidence in
things like using the phone and have generally become more
confident in myself. I’ve really enjoyed working and I think it is
something that more young people should consider doing.
Apprentice at Helena Partnerships, St Helens
Doing an apprenticeship has given me a lot of practical
experience that I would never have learnt from reading
books; for me, working alongside other staff doing a similar role
has been much more valuable.
Apprentice at Kingdom Security, St Helens
One business wrote to say that an apprentice won their employee
of the month award:
An apprentice who started as an apprentice consultant in
the manufacturing division just over 12 months ago was
awarded the company’s Employee of the Month award in April
this year.
The award is given to the top performing consultant in the whole
group and is judged on the amount of money they generate for
the company during that month.
For a young man to win this award in a company that has been
established for more than 38 years is an amazing achievement.
It is also testament to the calibre of the apprentices coming
through the programme.
GPW Recruitment, St Helens
Experiences of learners on
apprenticeship courses
APPRENTICES ARE GOOD FOR BRITAIN
APPRENTICES ARE GOOD FOR BRITAIN
Experiences of learners on
apprenticeship courses
The fact that an apprentice can win a business’s employee of the
month award shows that people undertaking an apprenticeship
scheme can add real value to any organisation.
Whilst normally apprenticeships begin on a temporary basis,
in many cases apprentices are offered permanent contracts
once they have completed their programme, which can lead to
promotion through the business structure.
The most successful case was when we took on an
apprentice from Ways to Work, a community led job
brokerage, in 2003. He started as a retail assistant,
throughout the years he developed his skills and knowledge
and moved up the career ladder by becoming Retail Manager,
by 2011 he had been promoted to the higher position of Sales
Manager.
Doncaster Business
One ex-learner, who joined a Derbyshire business as an
instrumentation apprentice over 15 years ago, now manages the
company’s offshore operations. He explained:
My
apprenticeship
has given me the
training and confidence I
need to have a really good
job in an exciting and
specialised field.
Every
day is different; I can find
myself on a North Sea oil
rig or working at our site in
Chesterfield. It’s definitely
worth considering earning
and learning to get
the career you want.
Multiplex
engineering, Derbyshire
and Nottinghamshire
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Another former apprentice stated:
Doing an apprenticeship helped me gain confidence. The
most useful part is on the job training; it’s relevant and
obviously I’ve gained a full-time permanent job as a result
of my training
Apprentice at Bold Spirit, Liverpool
Even if an apprentice is not kept on after their programme has
finished, once completing their course other businesses would be
more confident in recruiting them. One employer argued:
We would be very confident in recruiting someone who
has completed an apprenticeship with a different business.
I would have great confidence in recruiting someone who has
completed an apprenticeship programme which involved
extended contact with a business.
Kevin McLouglin Painter and Decorator, London
Civic Duty
APPRENTICES ARE GOOD FOR BRITAIN
APPRENTICES ARE GOOD FOR BRITAIN
Experiences of learners on
apprenticeship courses
For some businesses, civic duty was given as an important reason
for offering an apprenticeship programme. BCC research shows
a third (33%) of businesses that have taken on an apprentice
have done so from a sense of civic duty, and to boost their local
labour market.
One employer stated:
All they (young people) needed was an opportunity to
show what they could do and that is the same for all
of the apprentices on the programme. These young people
represent the future of this country. If local businesses support
them now, we will all reap the benefits in the future.
GWP Recruitment, St Helens
Apprenticeships are a key priority for our business. We
offer Apprenticeships in order to provide local youngsters
with not only the ability to work towards a qualification, but also
to obtain important ‘on the job’ skills and experience, which in
the current climate is especially important.
Helena Partnership, St Helens
A business located in the North East said of their apprentice:
She is a shining example
of what young people
can
achieve
given
the
right support, training and
encouragement. Our company
ethos is that good people
make good business, and her
commitment is testament to
this. NECC’s commitment to
their apprenticeship scheme is
clearly evident and one to
be highly recommended.
Lockout Tagout Safety
Ltd, North East
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Local Chambers have been campaigning to increase the numbers
of apprentices offered in their local areas. Working in partnership
with local businesses, they have been promoting the benefits of
apprenticeships in order to persuade more businesses to offer
schemes. Many have been successful in increasing the numbers
of apprenticeships offered in their area.
Surrey Chambers of Commerce, Surrey ALPS, National
Apprenticeship Service and Surrey County Council began
Campaign 200 in September 2011 to encourage Surrey businesses
to take on an additional 200 apprentices.
The campaign started at the Surrey Youth Festival with a business
breakfast designed to show employers the “truth behind the
myth” of apprenticeships. 34 businesses signed pledges on the
day. The pledges show businesses commitment to take on an
apprentice.
Surrey Chambers pushed forward the campaign with a series of
articles and case studies explaining the procedures and ease of
finding apprentices. Information has been available at all Chamber
events and on the website. This marketing technique has been a
huge success and we have no doubt that by April 2012 there will
be 200 more Apprenticeships in Surrey.
Surrey Chambers of Commerce
St Helens Chamber’s 100 Apprenticeships in 100 Days
campaign was launched in April 2011, with an event hosted by
Kath Boullen, Chief Executive of St Helens Chamber and Cllr Marie
Rimmer, Leader of St.Helens Council, who backed the campaign
financially.
The campaign was supported by a local media partner giving
coverage on progress and keeping the campaign in the public eye.
The campaign got off to a flying start following the launch event.
We hit a lull in the period of double bank holiday weekends, putting
us behind schedule for about a week. With additional marketing
we soon got back on track and progress was steady throughout
the campaign.
The use of a campaign graphic to monitor progress throughout
the campaign – counting up the days and number of Apprentices
recruited acted as a way of reminding the public and internal staff
of the progress made and required.
St. Helens Chamber of Commerce
Recommendations
APPRENTICES ARE GOOD FOR BRITAIN
APPRENTICES ARE GOOD FOR BRITAIN
Local Chambers promoting
apprenticeships
After conducting a survey of over 6,000 businesses and
gathering these case studies from businesses located
throughout the UK it is apparent that businesses and learners
both find apprenticeship programmes very beneficial.
Business is good for apprenticeships, and apprenticeships are
certainly good for business – that is what we learned from the
experiences of Chambers of Commerce and their members
across the UK. Yet our research also shows there is room for
improvement if we are to encourage more and more firms
to use apprenticeships to train and develop both new and
existing staff.
Our recommendations include:
„„ Changing apprenticeship frameworks to make
them more modular and responsive to business
innovation;
„„ Incentives to encourage more people
to undertake high-level apprenticeship
schemes;
„„ Reinstating independent careers advice;
and
„„ Targeting businesses that employee 100-249
staff members.
For more information on BCC’s view on how best to further
boost apprenticeships to upskill UK workers and encouraging
growth, please consult the BCC report Skills for Business: More
to Learn?
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BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
65 PETTY FRANCE
LONDON SW1H 9EU
T: +44 (0)20 76545800
F: +44 (0)20 76545819
[email protected]
www.britishchambers.org.uk