The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the changing and evolving apprenticeship market, with a specific focus on how it is beginning to impact the diversity of employer organisations across a range of industry sectors.
This is an opinion piece, contextualising the UK business approach to apprenticeships and the levy. It includes case studies showing how the attraction and recruitment of apprentices have been used to address diversity issues in different organisations.
Employers are pushing for:
A broader range of apprenticeship standards (and for them to be signed off more quickly),
More of the UK population to be aware of the high-quality apprenticeship roles available,
The necessary company infrastructure and appropriate external activities, to ensure that the
Broadest range of talent applies for and secures apprentice roles.
Partnership with the training provider(s) works well.
Right level of support is in place for the apprentices, whether they are existing staff or new staff members (who are often young people, returners or ex-military).
Line managers can quickly and effectively integrate apprentices into their teams, so that they are adding value and making an impact.
