Podcast 215: Are apprenticeships the forgotten key to building talent pipelines?
Feb 4, 2025
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Karen Handley, Head of Future Careers at Virgin Media O2, Sinead Trudgill, Director of Learning at Network Rail, and HR Consultant Andrea Gordon dive into the transformative potential of apprenticeships. They discuss the alarming decline in apprenticeship participation among young people and how strategic planning can revitalize these programs. Highlights include fostering diverse talent, enhancing employee loyalty, and addressing misconceptions. The conversation emphasizes the need for leadership investment and mentorship to harness apprenticeships as a key workforce solution.
Apprenticeships significantly enhance workforce growth and retention by providing structured career pathways and mentorship, as exemplified by Network Rail and Virgin Media O2.
Despite misconceptions, apprenticeships are accessible to individuals of various educational backgrounds, offering adaptive models that cater to diverse workforce needs.
Deep dives
The Decline of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship offerings have significantly decreased among employers, with small firms providing half the number of apprenticeships compared to a decade ago, while large firms' offerings have reduced by a third. Research indicates only 6% of young individuals aged 16 to 24 are taking up apprenticeships, often viewed as low-status and poorly compensated career paths. Employers may also hesitate to establish apprenticeship schemes due to concerns over funding, legal obligations, and potential scheme changes, leading to a lack of awareness about the benefits of training their workforce. The podcast discusses the urgent need for businesses to recognize the potential value of developing their own talent pool through these programs.
Success Stories from Leading Companies
Experts from Virgin Media O2 and Network Rail highlight the substantial benefits their organizations have experienced through apprenticeship programs. Network Rail has successfully integrated a diverse group of 800 apprentices within its operations, utilizing local colleges to attract individuals not currently in education. The insights shared emphasize that apprenticeships not only aid in workforce growth but also foster career progression for employees, with many rising through the ranks to key leadership roles. Similarly, Virgin Media O2 focuses on creating a diverse talent pool by hiring individuals based on potential rather than prior experience, thus cultivating a highly engaged workforce.
Retention and Growth through Mentorship
Retention rates for apprentices can be improved significantly with proper mentoring and support systems in place. Both Network Rail and Virgin Media O2 report impressive figures, with 74% of apprentices remaining with their companies long-term due to structured career pathways and guidance. This indicates that providing a supportive environment and a clear trajectory for growth motivates apprentices to commit and succeed. The importance of mentorship is emphasized, as apprentices benefit from having guidance and encouragement from experienced colleagues throughout their training.
Addressing Misconceptions and Expanding Opportunities
A major barrier to apprenticeship participation is the myriad misconceptions surrounding these programs, often perceived as suitable only for those who struggle academically. Experts argue that apprenticeships are open to individuals of varying educational backgrounds and ages, including those with advanced degrees looking to switch careers. Additionally, the adaptability of apprenticeship models means they can cater to the diverse needs of the workforce, allowing for a mix of traditional classroom learning and practical application. Emphasizing the inclusion of candidates from different demographics will help reshape public perceptions and drive greater participation in apprenticeships.
If employers were offered a way to meet their skills and workforce needs while also addressing long-term engagement and retention challenges, wouldn’t most, if not all, jump at the chance? Statistically, apprenticeships offer exactly that. Yet only 6% of young people are undertaking an apprenticeship. So, is it time for employers to reacquaint themselves with the benefits apprenticeship routes can bring to their business?
Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests: Karen Handley, Virgin Media O2 Head of Future Careers; Sinead Trudgill, Director of Learning and Organisation Development at Network Rail; and Andrea Gordon, HR Consultant, as we explore whether apprenticeships are the key to tackling some of your organisation’s primary workforce challenges.
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