Judith Berry - Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk

Why are Apprenticeships important to your business?

Apprenticeships are important as they grow our workforce and support young people onto the work ladder. Expanding our workforce with the youth pool also brings many benefits, from the way business is conducted with fresh views and ideas, to the impact that having young people within teams to balance colleague relations and behaviours of those who are older and experienced. Having apprentices gives the organisation opportunity for succession planning by having individuals who will have an in-house skills set and will have gained experience from colleagues so they can step into roles as they evolve and become available. This future proofs the organisation by providing appropriate succession plan opportunities for individuals and to secure the continuity of the organisation.

The return on investment in apprenticeships is proven within business and apparent within the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. Apprentices are able to increase the motivation, new ideas and productivity of teams while they are learning. Employing apprentices also supports the wage costs for an organisation.

Why do you offer Apprenticeships?

As a local authority we like to be a positive example and take a lead within the community. Encouraging local businesses and enterprises to also invest time and training into apprenticeships, for their business improvement, productivity and making opportunities available to the next generation in their community.

What do Apprenticeship programmes bring to the team?

Apprenticeship programmes encourages and motivates team members to consider their processes and how they would provide an apprentice with the experiences and skills that they need. Once teams have a clear understanding of the value of apprentices they can build on this further, which in turn enhances the original teams members experiences and learning.

Would you recommend Apprenticeships to other employers?

Yes.

The benefits to the organisation and the teams and processes within it are huge; productivity, new ideas, new ways of working, new behaviours (especially for employees who may be stuck in their ways) but most of all the value of giving unique work/life experiences and opportunities to the apprentice.

Having age diversity within an organisation helps to reach different individuals and audiences who will be accessing the services you provide. Different age ranges have different needs and expectations, helping to shape the deliverables of the organisation.