Apprenticeships
01/07/2007
‘For businesses to succeed today, they need a skilled adaptable workforce. Apprenticeships allow young people to develop the skills and attributes they need to contribute effectively to the organisations they work for.’ This glowing recommendation for apprenticeships comes from Sir Digby Jones, former head of the CBI and recent Skills Envoy for the Government. Among those to agree with Sir Digby is the Chamber, which puts its money where its mouth is, not simply managing apprenticeships but boasting a number of current and former apprentices among its staff.
Cheryl Smart, Director of Corporate Services is responsible for personnel issues at the Chamber. Said Cheryl:
'The Chamber has really benefited from taking on apprentices. We've seen a succession of young people blossom from enthusiastic but raw teenagers into genuinely valuable, responsible and - crucially in our business - adaptable members of staff.'
Former apprentice Helen Bennett, is a shining example of the benefits of apprenticeships to the Chamber. Now 23 years old, Helen was just seventeen when she joined the organisation as an apprentice, working in a range of administration roles. Helen studied towards her NVQ Level 3 in Customer Services (equivalent to two A levels) and became administrative assistant to the Work Based Learning team. Helen was soon well versed in the team's work and is now a fully trained assessor herself, going out and about assessing apprentices to NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration, IT and Customer Services. Not bad for someone in the early 20s.
Said Helen:
'When I left school I really wanted to go out and earn money but didn't want to stop learning. The apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to gain skills on the job while also developing an idea of where I wanted my career to go. At seventeen I would never have imagined myself in the role I'm now doing.'
Added Helen:
'Many employers worry that they'll pay a young person only to lose them once a week to a day-release course. In fact all the training is on the job with your assessor visiting you in the work-place.'
Following in Helen's footsteps are apprentices Stacey Hughes, 21 and Lauren Hawkes, 18. Stacey knew she wanted to go into office work but wasn't sure what she wanted to do. She joined the Chamber's administration team as an apprentice two years ago and began studying for an NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration. Stacey, who has now achieved NVQ Level 3, soon became a valued member of the team and is project administrator for some high-value Chamber contracts. Said Cheryl Smart:
'Stacey's role is vital to the smooth running of a number of Chamber contracts. Project administrators need to have a good eye for detail and a really mature attitude as they have to communicate with clients and providers at all levels Stacey naturally has the aptitude but the training she received under the apprenticeship has allowed her to formalise and develop these skills and qualities. Having the NVQ gives Stacey a qualification which proves her abilities - vital when she goes on to the next stage of her career.'
Lauren Hawkes came to the Chamber straight from school. She has recently completed her NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration, gained while working in a variety of administration roles within the Chamber. Lauren is now gaining extended experience in the Finance Department and will soon be assisting TradeArc Polska. Said Lauren:
'Doing the apprenticeship has helped me to understand the Chamber's business through practical experience. I've really enjoyed combining work with learning.'
Cheryl Smart believes that there is real need to combat some of the fears businesses have about apprenticeships:
'I really believe businesses are losing out if they don't take on apprentices. We are constantly hearing reports on the news about skills shortages and there is really no better way to grow your own talent than via apprenticeships.'
Added Cheryl:
'Many businesses worry that they'll spend time developing an apprentice only to see them leave when they've finished their training. In fact research shows that 62% of apprentices stay with their employer after completing a programme. There's no doubt that taking on apprentices means planning and investing time but our experience is that it's well worth the effort. We have a team of highly skilled young people who understand what the Chamber stands for and are a real asset to the business.'
