CIPD Podcast 215: Are apprenticeships the forgotten key to building talent pipelines?
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Feb 4, 2025 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.
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Diversity and Retention through Apprenticeships at Virgin Media O2
- At Virgin Media O2, apprenticeships have led to increased diversity, with over a third of apprentices being females or from global majority groups.
- Many apprentices stay with the company long-term, with some from the 2008 class still in technical, managerial, or leadership roles.
High Apprenticeship Retention Rate at Network Rail
- Network Rail boasts a 74% retention rate for apprentices, with some staying for over 10 years.
- This surpasses the national average retention rate of 54.6% across all sectors in the UK.
Misconceptions about Apprenticeships in Smaller Organizations
- Smaller organizations often misunderstand apprenticeships and the apprenticeship levy, limiting their potential benefits.
- This includes not knowing the breadth of apprenticeships available, the levy's uses, or partnership options.