Four out of five employers that currently provide apprenticeship schemes claim that they will play a bigger role in their recruitment policy in future as they help to cut hiring costs.
A survey undertaken among 349 people responsible for apprenticeship recruitment at their company by Populus Research revealed that three quarters believed providing apprenticeship places had kept their hiring costs down. The same number also said that on-the-job trainees were more important to their business than ever.
The study was conducted on behalf of the National Apprenticeship Service and published today to mark the final day of National Apprenticeship Week.
Keith Williams, chief executive of British Airways, which plans to take on an additional 200 apprentices this year, endorsed the poll’s findings. He said that they had become “a crucial part of our operation since we launched new schemes in 2010. I’m extremely proud that, in a year when all eyes are on emerging young talent, we are seeing our biggest intake of apprentices”.
Jaine Bolton, NAS’ director, added: “Encouraging more employers to offer quality apprenticeships is absolutely vital in equipping young people with the skills they need for the future – and the skills that Britain needs to grow.”
