National Apprenticeship Week 3rd-7th March 2014

Now in its 7th year, National Apprenticeship week is designed to celebrate the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the UK economy.  And with the British Chambers of Commerce calling for Chancellor George Osborne to address, in the next budget, youth unemployment and training with a £100 million scheme, the week is particularly timely.

Steve Nash, Chief Executive of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) firmly believes that the key to addressing youth unemployment is utilising the often-overlooked apprenticeship model that is actually beneficial to both employers and young people looking for work.

The IMI recently published the results of a two year project to prove the value of apprentices in the automotive sector, which provided definitive evidence that vocational training does not have to be a cost-burden to business and can play a vital role in reducing youth unemployment. The research showed that, by the end of their third year, a well-recruited apprentice can generate between 150% and 300% return on investment, based on a £50 hourly charge.  In other words, for every £1 a firm invests, it will see a return of between £1.50 and £3.

“Our research proves that businesses must overcome their doubts about employing young people and invest in the future” explained Steve Nash. “With the right attitude and support of the employer, giving a young person suitable opportunities to apply their skills, a positive return on investment can be achieved much earlier than commonly perceived.”

In addition to providing expert comment during National Apprenticeship Week, the IMI can provide several success stories which perfectly illustrate the benefits of apprentice schemes. These include:

• Melissa MacDonald, a SMART Repair Technician who recently completed a course at Gateshead College which supported her apprenticeship, for which she had to travel 144 miles per day three times a week. The hard work paid off and she has won a number of accolades for her studies.
• Ryan Banks, a Light Vehicle Technician at Rowes Honda, who recently completed his apprenticeship, winning a silver medal at 2013’s Skillauto competition and Honda (UK) Cars Apprentice of the Year 2013 along the way
• Catherine Treanor, a Light Vehicle Technician at Station Garage in Derbyshire, who has just completed her apprenticeship at Derby College, where she won various student awards. Catherine now hosts an open evening at her company designed specifically to help their female customers get a better understanding of their cars