How apprentices enhance outcomes and help reach business objectives
Posted on: 17th Jul 2024
Apprenticeships 
Employer demand for apprenticeships in the UK is growing, with two-fifths of businesses confirming they plan to integrate vocational qualifications into their operation in the future.
That’s up from less than a third (30 per cent) since 2016.
The data is taken from the government’s 2024 Apprenticeship Achievement report, which explores the outcomes and qualities of on-the-job training plus employer and employee satisfaction.
One organisation investing in the power of apprenticeships is London-based Leo Academy Trust. The Trust works with over 4,000 pupils across the city and in Surrey to promote positive learning communities, excellence and opportunities.
In our latest blog, Matt Warner, head of apprenticeships at Leo Academy Trust, discusses why he feels apprenticeships serve a key purpose to both employers and employees.
Sector specific skill development
From aviation to accountancy, education and the media – apprenticeships are delivered to all sectors ranging from GCSE equivalent (Level 2) to a Master’s degree (Level 7).
Besides an increase in demand from employers, the government’s Apprenticeship Achievement report also confirms:
- 87 per cent of employers felt apprenticeships served as a good test of an apprentice’s occupational competence.
- 85 per cent of employers said apprenticeships helped learners develop skills relevant to their organisation.
- 78 per cent of employers who invested in apprenticeships benefitted from increased productivity.
In Leo Academy Trust’s case, its team delivers Ignite Training’s Level 3 Teaching Assistant and Level 4 Sports Coach qualification. They have had four coaches successfully complete the course with Ignite, have six currently completing a sports apprenticeship, and have two more signed up to begin in September.
Mutually beneficial
Through high quality collaboration, Leo Academy Trust seeks to ensure schools it works with provide children with a safe and enjoyable learning environment. They aim to make everyone feel included, respected and valued, and to ensure the curriculum develops pupils for the challenges of life.
So where do apprenticeships fit in?
Matt explains Leo Academy Trust’s touchpoint with vocational qualifications has taken its on the ground delivery to the next level by enhancing the skillsets and knowledge of its employees.
“While apprenticeships can be delivered to people of all ages, we focus our energy on the next generation,” said Matt. “Apprenticeships help set careers in motion and provide learners with a solid grounding of the sector so they can see if it’s the right career for them.
“Our apprentices are enthusiastic for their roles, and are constantly bringing new ideas to the table which has really lifted our delivery and ensured pupils can enjoy a greater number of sporting opportunities.”
Meeting business objectives
At the heart of every apprenticeship is the learner.
Training and mentoring helps apprentices gain experience, add to their skillsets and even facilitate a career change. From a business perspective, apprentices support growth and strengthen succession planning while bringing new ideas and energy.
“Apprenticeships are a key cog in the wheel which allows us as a group to meet our business objectives,” said Matt. “Training makes apprentices mindful of their roles and responsibilities, and establishes key skills which are specific to our sector.
“Education is tailored, and fitted around our team’s working hours so they can earn money and develop on the job in parallel.
“They unlock new talent and help us to develop a fit and competent workforce for the future.”
Since working with apprentices, Matt has even employed pupils he had previously worked with through his role at Leo Academy Trust – something he described as a tangible experience for him as a coach.
Working with Ignite
Having partnered with Ignite Training in 2022, Matt now champions the role apprentices play in Leo Academy Trust’s day-to-day operation and recommends other organisations to do the same.
“Ignite Training are very hands-on and do a great job with our apprentices,” said Matt. “If ever there is an issue with an individual learner, Ignite will be in touch right away to create a plan to get them back on track.
“They’re solution focused and supportive, which has encouraged us to take on more apprentices because we’re confident in the infrastructure Ignite helps us create to give our apprentices the best possible education.”
Get in touch!
If you represent a trust, school, organisation, charity or sports club and would like to learn more about Ignite Training’s apprenticeship provisions, you can contact our friendly team today via:
Email: hello@ignitetraininguk.com
Phone: 0300 303 0890
Alternatively, you can continue browsing our website with further information about our apprenticeship standards.
