Age Diversity for Apprenticeships

For many businesses, apprenticeships have long been part of their recruitment strategy as they are an ideal way of bringing people into the workplace who benefit from learning on the job whilst earning a wage.

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Whilst they are nothing new, employers are increasingly recognising that apprenticeships are not only a great way to train people who are joining the workforce for the first time, but they are equally good for people joining an industry sector who are coming from a different career background. This is in no small measure due to there being a wider selection than ever before of apprenticeship qualifications on offer that cover many different business and industry sectors, with standards being set by employers in the sectors.

The fact that the qualifications range from Intermediate (Level 2, GCSE equivalent), Advanced (Level 3, A level equivalent), Higher (Levels 4 and 5, Foundation degree and above equivalent) and Degree (Levels 6 and 7, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree equivalent), also means that businesses have the opportunity to recruit staff at different entry levels in the organisation, providing opportunities to train staff at the highest educational levels.

Apprenticeships are generally open to anyone from the age of 16, but they are not just for the young, as there is no upper age limit.

The ability to do an apprenticeship at any age, combined with the ability to learn from entry level to degree level, not only enhances the recruitment and progression of new staff, but it also offers alternatives ways to train, develop and improve the skills of an existing workforce.

It can be useful for individuals, to improve their performance in an existing role, or help them if they are moving into a new role that requires them to take on new responsibilities and exercise new skills and abilities. It is also a great way to increase someone’s confidence and expertise.

Apprenticeships can be economically beneficial, as they can be an ideal way to promote loyalty among workers, as it has been proven that employee retention rates are higher when an organisation has invested in their staff development.

Jill Cowles | Partnership Manager | The Age Diversity Forum

Contact: [email protected]