Building for a Stronger Future
Apprenticeships are a great way to build a strong talent pipeline and introduce new skills to your team. At HSS Training apprenticeships are a key part of our technical and management development programmes. We have a variety of colleagues studying for apprenticeship qualifications across the group in a variety of different areas. Programmes range from level 2 up to Level 7 in a variety of different topics and areas of specialism.
More than half of UK businesses are currently experiencing skills shortages, so it is vital that the training and development of the next generation doesn’t feel the impact of the recent pandemic, and that employers are taking steps to support their workforce wherever possible. Apprenticeship programmes are an important part of this, providing a learning structure and valuable work experience that can help nurture skills and foster future business leaders.
At HSS Training we identified areas within the business where we had a skills shortage and developed role-specific development programmes, tailored for on-the-job training. In 2022 we launched our first management and leadership apprenticeship programmes.
We currently have seven apprentices working through both Level 3 and Level 5 programmes. Right from the start learners told us that they were finding the process engaging and fulfilling, and that they were able to effectively apply their newly acquired skills pretty much from week one.
One of our up-and-coming managers, Mark who is currently halfway through his Level 5 and told us:
“This is the most enjoyable learning experience since my university days, the real-world applications have been used straight out of the box”
Our apprentices come from diverse backgrounds, all with differing levels of ability. However, with support from the management team, and their colleagues, all are able to continue working towards completing their apprenticeships successfully. As a company, we need young people to come into our industry and apprenticeships are a great way for them to begin or to continue to develop a career. Evidence informs us that the benefits to HSS Training as an employer, are that staff members who have worked through the apprenticeship scheme tend to be loyal, hard-working and motivated. As a result of the success we have witnessed in 2022, we are running this programme again in 2023, looking for the next crop of industry leaders.
If you want more information on how apprenticeships may work for you please visit the government apprenticeship website here.