Apprenticeship is a proven workforce training model many employers use to grow their talent pipeline, and it’s a way to train a new generation of workers to fit your company’s needs.
Maybe you’ve experienced employees who are retiring soon or have challenges on the hiring front. Apprenticeships ensure you have the skilled workforce necessary to remain competitive and thrive in an ever-evolving market.
Read on to learn more about what youth apprenticeships are all about, the reasons employers like these programs, the difference between internship and apprenticeship, and more.
Workforce Challenge Companies Experience
When it comes to workforce development within your company, factors like time, resources, and team buy-in might be hindering any forward momentum. But investing in talent strategies that support your current and future needs is necessary when you consider factors such as these:
Retiring Workforce
Seasoned talent is retiring or being recruited away, and knowledge transfer is a major challenge for your organization.
Hiring Competition
Other companies are looking for robust talent, too, including new companies entering the market, aggressively recruiting the same skilled workers you’re seeking.
Oversaturated recruitment channels
Channels such as job posting sites and career fairs are becoming increasingly saturated and aren’t producing the same results they once did.
Fewer qualified applicants
Many applicants may not have the qualifications, training, and skills you need for the positions you need to fill.
Unrealistic compensation expectations
Other applicants may have overinflated ideas regarding compensation, work schedule, and benefits.
Rapidly evolving technology
With artificial intelligence and changing technology impacting processes, you’re pushed to bring in and train new talent to remain relevant and competitive in the marketplace.
Workforce Development Solutions Alternatives
When you’ve thought about hiring new workers, perhaps some of these options have been discussed. You may have even tried a few in an effort to grow your talent base. Here’s what you need to know about each one.
Internships vs. Apprenticeship
While lacking the long-term commitment you might need over time, internships can provide short-term employment solutions. As you consider onboarding an intern vs. an apprentice, you’ll discover that an intern lacks the structured training and development needed to grow in the field, which an apprentice will gather throughout their apprenticeship. Interns may fill a void, but they are unable to meet important skills gaps that a more trained worker could provide.
How Are Apprenticeships Different?
Long-Term Talent Development: They focus on the long-term investment of workers, integrating new employees who grow with the company.
Graduate Recruitment Programs vs. Apprenticeship
These programs target recent graduates who may have a fresh perspective to offer. However, they typically lack experience, don’t know your workplace culture, and may potentially have unrealistic expectations about their job roles or career progression. In contrast, with apprenticeships, companies recruit and train workers the way they want in order to fill the skills gaps they have, all at affordable entry-level pay rates.
How Are Apprenticeships Different?
Knowledge Transfer: They ensure systematic knowledge transfer from experienced employees to apprentices at extremely cost-effective wages.
On-the-Job Training vs. Apprenticeship
This type of program is an effective method of training workers, but it lacks a formal education component. With on-the-job learning, there is also no structured progression that allows workers to continue growing in their field.
How Are Apprenticeships Different?
Structured Development: They provide a formalized path that combines on-the-job training and instruction from experts in-house and in the classroom, providing a well-rounded experience.
Contract and Temporary Workers vs. Apprenticeship
Companies may use contract and temporary workers to fill immediate staffing gaps, which can be helpful in the short term. However, because contract and temporary workers are not invested over the long term, they might not buy into your company culture or positively contribute to it. In addition, these workers may also leave to find higher wages or benefits that other companies offer.
How Are Apprenticeships Different?
Sustainable Pipeline: They create a reliable and steady talent stream, reducing the need for constant external recruitment.
Current Employee Upskilling vs. Apprenticeship
Upskilling and reskilling your existing staff is crucial. However, this hiring strategy doesn’t bring in new talent or fresh perspectives. It lacks the mentorship opportunities and knowledge sharing that can often reinvigorate the workplace and lead to innovation.
How Are Apprenticeships Different?
Strategic Advantage: Apprenticeships offer companies a strategic operating advantage, helping to fill immediate gaps and build a future-ready workforce. Mentors become empowered as they view their skills with renewed importance and empower their apprentices in the process.
Comparison of Workforce Development Solutions
| Apprenticeships | Internship Programs | Graduate Recruitment Programs | On-the-Job training | Contract & Temporary Workers | Current Employee Upskilling | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Strategy |  |  | | | | |
| Sustainable | | | | | | |
| Talented, Skilled Workforce | | | | | | |
| Employee Buy-In | | | | | | |
| Cost-Effective | | | | | | |
Reasons Why Companies and Workers Turn to Youth Apprenticeships
For companies, apprenticeships provide a strategic operating advantage with these benefits:
Positive return on investment
Fresh perspectives, new energy
Skilled talent pipeline supporting a broad range of industries and roles
Systematic transfer of knowledge from existing workers to apprentices
Apprenticeships not only benefit companies, but they also benefit the apprentices.
These programs are often sought after by high school students who want to jump-start their careers. Completing an apprenticeship offers benefits like these and more:
Business Involvement
Apprentices are dedicated, paid employees with mentors.
On-the-job training
Competency checklists track the systematic skill development of each apprentice.
There is a formal education requirement that allows students to earn college credits while they gain hands-on work experience.
Wage progression
Apprentices start with a learning wage, with their pay rate increasing as they gain experience and their skills and performance improve.
Recognized credentials
As an added benefit, apprentices earn a degree in their field or obtain certifications, gaining valuable industry-recognized qualifications.
More About What an Apprenticeship Is and the Value It Offers
Now that you understand the effectiveness and strategic benefits of youth apprenticeship programs for both companies and workers, it’s important to understand why employers are increasingly choosing this model to build a workforce of qualified staff. Discover the reasons why more and more companies are turning to youth apprenticeships to support their current and future needs.
Why Else Do Companies Choose Apprenticeships?
A strong ROI and much more … see all the benefits.