support the industry ’ s growth . Over 80 % of employers and apprentices are satisfied with their apprenticeships , with the majority of employers ( 78 %) saying they also improve business productivity . “ It ’ s clear that the benefits are there ,” explains Steven , “ but how can this route of learning help with developing lifelong skills ?” |
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The strategic value of apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships are essential for developing lifelong skills because they provide a structured , hands-on learning environment that benefits both apprentices and businesses . “ Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with formal education , allowing employees to gain practical skills directly applicable to their chosen industries ,” explains Steven . “ Not only do these skills often remain relevant throughout employees ’ careers , ensuring long-term employability , but they also teach the relevant skills needed ‘ there and then ’ for businesses to thrive .” By engaging in a structured learning journey , apprentices cultivate a habit of continuous learning . In fact , statistics show that 93 % of apprentices go into work or further training after completing their apprenticeship . This lifelong learning mindset helps them adapt to evolving industry demands and technological advancements . “ This is not only a personal benefit but again will help employers to remain ahead of the game given the shifts we ’ re seeing within the engineering sector ,” adds Steven . “ Degree apprenticeships also offer an opportunity to train and retain existing staff , giving them the skills required to lead the modern and emerging workforce .”
Upskilling for the future
Industries facing skill shortages can also use degree apprenticeships to develop a pipeline of skilled workers , addressing current and future workforce demands . This will allow employers to directly tackle existing skill gaps by training individuals in the specific competencies that are currently lacking in their workforce . What apprentices learn in their course will also be applicable to the business they ’ re working for . If apprentices are doing a higher level course , it will not only prepare
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them for leadership roles and equip them with the technical and managerial skills required for career progression , but it will also be readily applicable to the challenges the business is facing . “ It ’ s important to pick a good training provider to make sure this need is met , and that your business is tapping into nurturing lifelong skills ,” continues Steven . “ A good way to determine if a training provider can address your business ’ pain points is to see if they include practical assessments or tasks . These exercises enable employees to apply and enhance their knowledge in ways directly relevant to their roles within your organisation .” |
Talent retention and loyalty
As touched on above , apprenticeships help foster a growth mindset within a business , but they also have other benefits that will allow your business and employees to foster lifelong skills . “ An ongoing concern at the moment is talent retention . In an era where businesses are facing rising expenses and taxes , keeping a hold on talent to avoid recruitment costs is becoming more and more important for employers ,” explains Steven . To add to this , data from LinkedIn found that 90 % of organisations are concerned about employee retention and that providing learning opportunities is the top retention strategy .
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