PM TRAINING BLOG

Passing the compulsory end-point assessment at the completion of the ‘on-programme’ apprenticeship is not only a great day for the apprentice, it’s also a great day for the training provider and the employer too. Apprenticeships work because, as well as the 20% off-the-job learning, the candidate is spending 80% of their time doing real work in a real workplace. Learning from more experienced colleagues, being able to make mistakes but then get it right the next time, developing an awareness of how the different parts of an organisation are reliant on each other and, of course, understanding the importance of satisfying customers. Staffordshire company, Johnson Tiles, know exactly how powerful the apprenticeship programmes are for their business. Training Manager, Kate Anderson, explained; “At Johnson's, we recruit apprentices to specific job roles. We ensure there is a job there first so that an apprentice can develop into their role and, after the End Point Assessment, join the team permanently.”

It’s often said that people are the greatest asset in any organisation. Apprenticeships can be a great way to develop new talent and make sure that your business has all the people and skills it needs. In order to take full advantage however, the apprenticeship training programme has to be properly developed and implemented. This is why whg chose to partner with PM Training to set up its own highly successful apprenticeship programme.

Apprenticeships are becoming a popular route into employment for school leavers and more experienced learners alike. PM Training in Staffordshire, are experts in upskilling staff. They provided training for four apprentices at whg, each of the four came to the training with different starting points and experiences, but all quickly progressed to full time permanent positions. 

If you’re an SME looking to boost your business, you’ll soon have much more control over how you spend your training budget. As an SME, you don't pay the apprenticeship levy. From January 2020 the apprenticeship service is being made available to SMEs, so you’ll be able to have greater control over who you choose for your apprenticeship training. For the first time, as a non-levy employer, you'll be able to manage your training through a digital portal – the Apprenticeship Service.

I'm sure there have been many conversations in meetings about whether to recruit or upskill existing staff. Budgets and timescales come into question and the debate goes on as both sides have well-rounded arguments. But with a well thought out progression plan for your employees, there is no better place to look than at your in-house talent.

With more young people choosing different routes after leaving school to continue their education, the amount of choice available is staggering. With the traditional college and university routes alongside apprenticeships and specific awarding bodies, it’s an exciting time for learning new skills.

A return to the workplace 'new normal' is around the corner for many employees as more businesses look to restart operations. It's a welcome move for businesses that may have struggled over the past few months with remote working, social isolation and lockdown. 

On Wednesday 8th July, the government announced its Plan for Jobs. It’s a clear statement of intent that skills, apprenticeships and work based learning are at the centre of policy decisions to rebuild the economy. Now is the time to recruit, invest in young talent and future proof businesses.

In July 2020, the Government announced it's 'Plan For Jobs' to support businesses with new incentives for the recruitment of apprentices.

Apprenticeships have become increasingly popular across a variety of different industries. More people are choosing to forego traditional collegiate educations in an effort to join the workforce faster. The same goes for the accounting industry.