BREAKING DOWN the barriers to hiring apprentices and bringing more young talent into the industry are key to the sector’s ongoing success, employers in the home and construction industries have concluded.
Several took part in a discussion forum hosted by an industry-specialist recruitment agency in Northamptonshire to debate the obstacles preventing more apprentices being taken on and raising awareness of the benefits of doing so.
The round table event, organised by Simon Acres Group and apprenticeship training provider Workpays, agreed that uncertainty around costs, unfamiliarity with apprenticeship standards, little knowledge of training and confusing jargon were the main hindrances.
Now Simon Acres Group managing director Simon Acres pictured right is planning a meeting with Wellingborough MP Peter Bone to discuss the issue in more detail and call for the government to address the issue.
Mr Acres said: “With the support of Workpays, we hope to establish a collaborative approach to bring more apprentices into our sector. We are encouraging other businesses to get involved and to work with us to address the challenges surrounding hiring apprentices and to showcase the many benefits that apprenticeships offer, while driving positive change and growth in our industry.”
The roundtable, at the Stanwick Hotel in Wellingborough, heard from speakers from leading apprenticeship bodies, training providers and KBB retailers. Keynote speaker Stephen Johnson, managing director at tap manufacturer Quooker UK and Ireland, shared his experience of hiring young people and promoting the training and development of his colleagues at Quooker.
Mr Acres said: “Apprenticeships are a vital aspect to creating an experienced, knowledgeable and skilled KBB workforce. Hosting a lively and insightful roundtable on this important topic provided the opportunity to identify the challenges that prevent businesses from hiring apprentices, in addition to highlighting the ways in which these barriers can be overcome.”
