Apprenticeships offer a fantastic route into the workplace, blending hands-on experience with formal training to build skills and confidence. For this edition of our Ask the Expert series, we caught up with Rennie who shares his journey, how his role has evolved since completing his apprenticeship with us, and why he believes employers should embrace apprenticeship programmes. We also explore the benefits of an apprenticeship. Read on to discover Rennie’s thoughts and advice!
What initially attracted you to a digital marketing apprenticeship?
I was attracted to the possibility of continuing my learning whilst also combining this with real-life workplace. Whilst I had previous working experience in marketing, I didn’t have as much education to back this up. This is where the apprenticeship would benefit me.
Was the apprenticeship what you expected?
Yes, I’d say it was. Set Training were extremely helpful with my apprenticeship. Whilst there was deadlines set throughout the course, they recognised that these were flexible as I was working full-time in a business at the same time. Another benefit of an apprenticeship is that I tapped into aspects of marketing that I didn’t have much experience in or any experience at all, such as video creation. This is now something I do on almost a weekly basis.
What is the main thing you’ve learned from your apprenticeship?
I learned about all aspects of marketing but also how to apply this to real-life working experience. The apprenticeship was relevant to my day-to-day job role which was extremely beneficial too.
What skills have you developed during your apprenticeship that you may not have gained through other learning routes?
The main thing for me was the experience of working in a full-time & professional environment. Whilst there is nothing wrong with going down the more ‘traditional’ route of school -> university -> work, this presents too much of a gap between university and work. This apprenticeship helped bridge that gap and this is one of the main benefits of an apprenticeship.
How did you manage studying alongside real work responsibilities?
Set Training and my manager, Alistair, were both extremely helpful with this. As I touched on previously, I had the flexibility to change my deadlines if necessary. I didn’t have to at any point, but it was comforting to know that option was there if necessary. I was able to build the apprenticeship studies (around 4 hours per week) into my working hours during Monday to Friday.
How has your role developed since you started your apprenticeship?
I’ve now progressed into a role with extra responsibilities. The job title is Brand & Business Development Associate, which basically means I am continuing on with the marketing activities from previously whilst also taking a proactive approach to trying to build positive working relationships with other businesses.
Why do you think it’s important for businesses to consider apprenticeships?
There are so many benefits of an apprenticeship. They provide an alternative opportunity for young people to learn & develop at their own pace, whilst also learning valuable life skills and real-life working experience. Speaking from experience, it is extremely competitive for graduates to get a full-time job in their chosen career. An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to work your way up within a business, with realistic career prospects.
The Benefits of an Apprenticeship for Employers
Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for employers to build a skilled and motivated workforce tailored to their business needs. By offering apprenticeships, organisations can enjoy a range of benefits that contribute to long-term growth and success.
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Customised Training: Apprenticeships allow employers to develop bespoke training programmes aligned with their specific requirements. This ensures apprentices gain the exact skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles and support the business effectively.
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Cost-Effective Talent Development: Recruiting and training new employees can be expensive, but apprenticeships provide a cost-efficient solution. Government funding and incentives are often available to support apprenticeship schemes, reducing the financial burden on employers.
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Improved Productivity: This is one of the key benefits of an apprenticeship as Apprentices bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the workplace. By combining practical training with classroom learning, apprentices quickly develop the ability to contribute positively to the organisation’s productivity and performance.
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Retention and Loyalty: Investing in apprenticeships demonstrates a commitment to employee development, fostering loyalty and engagement. Apprentices are more likely to remain with the organisation after completing their training, reducing turnover and recruitment costs.
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Bridging Skills Gaps: Many industries face skills shortages, and apprenticeships offer a practical solution by equipping individuals with the capabilities required to fill critical gaps. Employers can future-proof their workforce by cultivating talent in-house.
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Fresh Ideas and Innovation: Apprentices often bring new perspectives and up-to-date knowledge gained through their education. These benefits of an apprenticeship can encourage innovation and help employers stay ahead in a competitive market.
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Strengthening Employer Branding: Offering apprenticeships enhances your reputation as an employer that values training and development. This can attract top talent and improve your standing in the local community and industry.
By embracing apprenticeships, employers can not only nurture future talent but also gain a competitive edge in their sector. It is an investment in both people and business success.
How The HR Booth Can Help
At The HR Booth, we understand that even though the benefits of an apprenticeship are clear, navigating the process of hiring apprentices can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to support employers every step of the way, ensuring you can attract the right talent and create a successful apprenticeship programme tailored to your business needs.
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Identifying Business Needs: We’ll work with you to identify the skills and roles your business needs, helping you determine how an apprenticeship can address these gaps and contribute to your organisation’s goals.
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Guidance on Funding and Incentives: Understanding apprenticeship funding can be complex, but we’ll simplify it for you. We’ll help you explore available funding options, including government grants and incentives, to maximise your investment.
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Creating Job Adverts: We’ll assist in developing a clear and appealing job advert that outlines the key responsibilities and skills required for your apprentice, ensuring you attract the right candidates.
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Recruitment Support: Our team can manage or support the recruitment process, from advertising the apprenticeship vacancy to screening candidates and conducting interviews. We’ll help you find enthusiastic, motivated individuals who align with your company values.
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Ongoing HR Support: Once your apprentice is hired, we can provide ongoing HR support, from creating tailored apprenticeship contracts to advising on performance management and progression planning.
By partnering with us, you’ll have expert guidance throughout the apprenticeship process, giving you the confidence to find and nurture new talent. The benefits of an apprenticeship are clear. Together, we can help you build a skilled workforce while making apprenticeships a valuable asset to your business. Contact our HR Consultants for further support.
