Apprenticeships in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire: Support for employers and training providers
500 firms in the Derbyshire area are actively recruiting apprentices … and with right training and assessment in place, it’s a highly effective way for organisations to upskill or increase their workforce.
Traditionally thought of as the domain of school-leavers only, that’s no longer the cases. Any adult can become an apprentice but it is especially suitable for those wanting to change direction or return to work, or for those looking for a more ‘hands-on’ education/training experience. All are attracted by the incredible training and ‘earn while you learn’ opportunities.
Employers who offer apprenticeships benefit from a skilled and trained workforce. They can shape and mould apprentices according to their specific business needs and culture. Additionally, apprenticeships often foster loyalty and commitment from employees who have been trained within the company
AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group, one of the sponsors of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards provides independent end-point assessments for almost 30 apprenticeship standards (job roles) – click here for more details. AIM is the only End-Point Assessment Provider (EPAO) specialising in the creative, cultural and digital technology sectors, and is an outstanding choice for any organisation looking to employ, train or assess apprentices.
AIM works with hundreds of organisations in the region, helping them through the apprenticeship process. AIM can help to match employers with training providers and they provide advice and support on the range of standards available. AIM works with both the training provider and / or employer to ensure apprentices are supported nurtured and ready to become major assets for their employers.
Will Cummins EPAO Relationship Manager at AIM said : “Unfortunately, only a third of school leavers receive career advice on apprenticeships, but apprenticeships offer a great, alternative path to traditional education. They combine hands-on training with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to earn while they learn and build a solid foundation for their future careers.”
Real results
Will knows the value of apprenticeships more than most, having left school to become an apprentice, he developed a range of qualifications in digital marketing, social media, business admin and sales. He now works for AIM as an End Point Assessment Relationship Manager.
“My role is heavily focussed on relationship building and business development in the apprenticeship and skills space for AIM.
“I am a big advocate for apprenticeship training; it is available to employers of any size in a wide-range of industries and business settings. AIM has assessed thousands of apprentices, and they have gone on to do incredible things, working for some great organisations – large and small.”
Benefits of apprenticeships
With almost 700 apprenticeship skills available, it’s an incredible alternative to further education. There’s no typical apprentice, and the results, says Will, are impressive and a good way to grow your organisation’s workforce with skilled people. In a recent employer survey from gov.uk
– 86% said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation.
– 78% said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity.
– 74% said apprenticeships helped them improve the quality of their product or service.
Will added: “Finding the right person to fill an apprenticeship vacancy is only one part of the process. An effective partnership between the training provider, the employer and the EPAO is the key.”
Find out more about AIM at www.aimgroup.org.uk