It’s Day Two of National Apprenticeship Week and today we’re chatting with Rosanna Robson-Wright, our L&D Business Partner, to learn more about the value apprentices can bring to a business…
What value do you feel apprentices and apprenticeships can offer to a business?
For new apprentices, in particular those who have recently left school or college, I think it’s all about the diversity of minds. They come eager to learn and bring with them fresh ideas, innovation and big energy – all of which can be incredibly valuable for any company.
A number of our apprentices are now reaching the end of their learning and it’s been fantastic to witness the change and transformation in them, both personally and professionally. As an employer, we get a lot back from our apprentices and it’s my hope that this goes two ways, with them also reflecting positively upon the time, learning and resources we have invested in them.
At Mabey Hire, we’re proud to have numerous full-time employees on apprenticeship courses too. It’s all about investing in and ‘growing’ our own, helping to give something back to our staff and equip them with the tools they need for their own career progression.
What value do you as an employer feel you can give to an apprentice?
For us, I think there are so many different pathways available, with numerous opportunities to develop further. Apprentices could join us on a Level Two course and continue to progress upwards to a Level Three or Level Four. Alternatively, they could complete their Level Two and join our team on a permanent basis, continuing their learning ‘on the job’.
While Mabey Hire operates within the civil engineering and construction sector, there are a variety of disciplines and departments available – from engineering to procurement and marketing. You could come in on one course or job role and then discover an aptitude for sales, for example. With countless apprenticeship courses available, it really is unlimited and that’s very exciting.
How do apprenticeships help to fill the skills gap?
It can sometimes be difficult to find the right applicant for a role down the ‘traditional’ recruitment route. Opening up to include apprentices has been a really a successful way to source talent, particularly for more skilled roles, and we are really reaping the rewards with our current cohort.
Apprenticeships really do open up a whole new avenue and talent pool to explore when it comes to recruiting. Given the money and investment from the government, so many more people are interested in going down the apprenticeship route. It’s no longer just reserved for school leavers; it can be career movers who want a change of direction or those who wish to upskill themselves.
What do you feel are the main obstacles to other employers when it comes to taking on an apprentice?
I think the main concern is around how to treat that individual – are they an employee or a learner? It can be confusing.
It’s important that businesses really consider if they have the time and resources to support an apprentice. Apprentices need nurturing, learning and investment in order to get the most out of their course – and likewise, for the employer to get the most out of the scheme. The business must understand that an apprentice is not a normal employee and instead has to be able to balance their learning with practical workloads.
It's a big learning curve to take on apprentices but there is plenty of support available, both from the chosen training provider and the local council.
What are Mabey Hire’s future plans with apprenticeships?
Our apprentice scheme is still relatively new to us as a business but I’m incredibly proud of how we have grown it over the last few years, from having none to now eight members of staff currently completing an apprenticeship course. Already we are recognising the investment in growing our own, and this is just the beginning.
The process takes time and cannot be rushed; you have to ensure you are selecting the right candidates for your business, who are invested in both the course and the career. But it is so rewarding when you get it right.
