The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 7: Spring 2018 | Page 14

TALKING APPRENTICESHIPS
DO APPRENTICESHIPS WORK?
There has apparently never been a better time for businesses
to take on an apprentice, with more government funding
being made available and the recently-formed Institute of
Apprenticeships on hand to offer support.
This year, the 11th National Apprenticeship Week, from March 5 to 9, saw
employers and apprentices come together to demonstrate how apprenticeships
work – and encourage others to use this pathway into a great career.
Bath College is the largest provider of apprenticeships in
Bath, covering 80 different industry sectors.
Rob Aldous, apprenticeships manager at the college’s
apprenticeship team, said: “We have an outstanding
apprenticeships team at Bath College, who work hard to
respond to individual business’s needs.
“We pride ourselves on providing a personal service,
where we get to know employers and engage with
them. As a result, we’re quick to develop new training
programmes, allowing learners to get started with their
qualification.
“I’d encourage any business thinking of hiring to get
in touch and speak to us about our apprenticeships’
provision.”
Engineering firm Rotork has a long and proud tradition
of apprenticeships, dating back 60 years. The company has
also helped to open a £200,000 engineering workshop for
students at Bath College.
At 21, Scott Jardine was a Level 4 engineering apprentice
at Bath College and working at Rotork – an apprenticeship
which led to a full-time job there as a graduate engineer.
Scott, who hopes to become a department manager, has
a passion for engineering and is following in the footsteps
of his father and grandfather, who have a family-owned
business in Bristol.
He said: “I found out about Rotork and their
apprenticeship scheme at Bath College’s annual skills fair.
It was a great way to meet local companies and speak to
them face to face.
“I have gained valuable knowledge and experience,
thanks to a blend of workplace training and college
learning. I found my voice was heard and my involvement
was valued by managers, who put their trust in me to carry
out tasks.
“I would thoroughly recommend an apprenticeship. You
can work in many areas of the business and choose what
suits you. It’s a great feeling knowing I have a full-time job
now at Rotork.”
For fellow student Sophie Coupe, a Level 2 hairdressing
apprenticeship at B Hairdressing in Widcombe was the
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THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2018
stepping stone to a career she’s passionate about.
Sophie said:“I’m glad I chose an apprenticeship because
it’s hands-on. For my GCSEs, I did well in the creative
subjects but I had to work hard to achieve academically.
“I have loved hairdressing ever since I was young - I like
making people feel a million dollars.”
Sophie, who now works at a salon in Trowbridge, said
an apprenticeship had allowed her to see how a business
works and grows. She said the combination of studying
and workplace experience has been invaluable in terms of
progressing her career and building her confidence.
“When I first started it was really nerve-wracking
because you’re stood there thinking ‘this is an actual client’.
You learn things at work you simply don’t learn in college.
“It’s tough but it’s about having the right attitude. You
have to work the hours, but then you’re earning money at
the same time. No matter how hard it is, you know that
something good will come of it. I thrive on the fact I’m
constantly improving.”
Harriet Barber, owner of B Hairdressing, took on Sophie
as an apprentice.
She said: “Apprentices are good for business because
they provide a support network to help keep the salon
running. They’re helping out, as well as seeing what we’re
doing. And they keep us all sane, I guess!”
Sue Husband, director of the National
Apprenticeship Service, says businesses
considering taking on an apprentice
couldn’t choose a better time.
“With more high-quality apprenticeships on offer than
ever before, the apprenticeship path is becoming an ever
more attractive option to young people and their parents.
This is reflected in the increased diversity of apprenticeships
on offer, with opportunities ranging from Level 2
apprenticeships in butchery to Degree Apprenticeships in
Aeronautical Engineering.
“Apprenticeship Trailblazers - groups of employers
developing standards specific to their sector - mean
we have more and more employer-led apprenticeships
across a diverse range of sectors. The recently established
Institute of Apprenticeships puts employers at the heart of
decision-making processes and supports the quality of new
apprenticeship standards, being developed by employers
themselves.
“We know apprenticeships are having a growing impact
on employers and individuals across the country, but we
know we can do more. The governme