By Richard Asquith

Any employer will know that finding skilled staff can be a challenge. One way of building a team of employees with relevant experience and skills is to embark upon an apprenticeship programme.

Apprenticeships can be a very cost effective way of developing a skilled workforce.

Using a mixture of on and off the job training, businesses can ensure that their team is made up of individuals with the practical skills and appropriate qualifications to meet their needs.

Programmes can take between one and four years to complete, so time should be taken by businesses to really consider what they can offer to an apprentice.

As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. This on the job training means that apprentices can quickly build an understanding of the business in which they will operate, which, teamed with off the job development, ensures that once qualified, they can quickly become established in their final role.

Off the job training is also a standard part of an apprenticeship programme.

Generally this will include study so the apprentice can gain the necessary qualifications to move into the position they are training for.

Apprentices can bring real value to a business - gaining a strong understanding of the company through on the job training, they will also possess up to date knowledge through their off the job development. And, as apprenticeships have been developed and created by business, for business, they are specifically designed to meet current business needs. Once a skills gap is identified, an appropriate apprenticeship programme can be sought, and from there an individual can be selected and trained.

Apprentices are not a ‘quick fix’. They require a lot of time, and often financial investment, to teach them the skills they need to do their job effectively.

However, running apprenticeships can help businesses across all sectors by offering a route to harness fresh new talent. Apprentices also tend to be eager, motivated, flexible and loyal to the company that invested in them, and can be molded in a way that best suits the needs of the business.

Business Link can help companies to understand the skills gaps that exist within their organisation, and explore how apprenticeship programmes could help fill them. It offers a team of expert skills advisers who offer advice, help and information to individuals and companies across the region, giving them access to the ‘business brains’ who will help to grow their company and enhance their skills. For further information about Business Link, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast or call 0845 600 9006.