Three reasons why every business should hire an apprentice in 2023

If you’re on the lookout for your next apprentice, West Yorkshire Combined Authority can help

Advertisement feature: Apprenticeships play a vital part in helping businesses to grow, address skills shortages and secure the best new talent. In the past year alone, nearly 7,000 businesses in West Yorkshire have taken on an apprentice, with 33,600 new apprenticeships started. Here are three reasons why you should consider hiring an apprentice to help you build talent pipelines, increase productivity, encourage young talent thrive and close skills gaps across the region:

Rejuvenate your business

Tap into the energy that an apprentice brings, with fresh and innovative ideas that can transform your business and rejuvenate the culture of your workplace. With a whole new perspective and plenty of ambition, apprentices are ready to learn and make their mark within your sector. Nationally, as a result of hiring an apprentice, 78% of businesses reported improved productivity and 67% of employers benefitted from new ideas.

When you think of skills, think bespoke

Offer your entry-level roles to apprentices and tailor their skills into the perfect fit for your business. With a bespoke foundation of knowledge and experience, you’ll be reaping the benefits in no time. As many as 85% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation.

Experience the power of loyalty Investing in an apprentice can bring many long-term benefits. The more you commit to their development, the more they’ll experience job satisfaction and feel motivated to grow with your business – and use their skills as they progress into more senior roles.

What companies say

Neil Durham, of D&E Metal Fabrications, said: “We recruited an apprentice to grow our fabrication business. The apprentice is a very quick learner and is progressing in the role quicker than we could have expected. She has already settled in, is a valued member of the team and has positively added to the dynamic in the office.”

Help to find the perfect match

If you’re a business on the lookout for your next apprentice, West Yorkshire Combined Authority can help you find the perfect match.

For more information please contact: [email protected] or visit the-lep.com/skillsforgrowth to arrange a call with your local business partnership adviser.

The fully-funded programme from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership is part-funded by the European Social Fund as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England.