Your Career. Our Priority.
Are you thinking about hiring an apprentice? Considering how apprenticeships could upskill your existing team? Or simply want to learn more about the real impact apprentices can have in the workplace?
We sat down with Laura, our Director of Apprenticeships, who began her own career as an apprentice, to discuss the value of apprenticeships and how they can support business growth at every level.
“As someone who started my journey as an apprentice, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful these programmes can be. Not just for individuals, but for businesses that support them. My experience was even more unique as not only was I an apprentice, but I was working for a training provider that delivered apprenticeships.
You’re not just hiring someone with textbook knowledge, you’re nurturing someone who will grow to understand your business and your way of working.”
“Apprenticeships are unique as they combine formal education with real-world experience.
I find employers often struggle to find candidates who not only have the right qualifications but also understand how to apply them in a workplace setting. Apprenticeships solve this problem by training individuals within the workplace, so they’re gaining knowledge and applying it at the same time.
From my own experience, I developed communication, teamwork, and time management all while on the job, and these skills were just as valuable as the technical ones. That blend creates confident, capable professionals who are ready to contribute from the outset. I honestly feel the softer skills I developed during my time as an apprentice were my key to success throughout my career.”
“Apprenticeships build loyalty from the ground up. When someone is given the opportunity to learn, earn money, and grow within a company, it creates a strong sense of commitment. I’ve stayed in this sector because I was supported and invested in early on.
Apprentices often become your most dedicated employees because they’ve grown with the business and feel a genuine connection to it. They’re not just there for a job. They want to build a career. Many businesses I’ve worked with find that former apprentices are more likely to stay long-term, take on leadership roles, and even mentor the next generation.”
“For SMEs, apprenticeships are a game-changer. You don’t need massive budgets to bring in fresh talent. You just need a willingness to invest the time and energy in people. Apprenticeships allow small businesses to shape staff from the ground up, creating employees who understand your values, systems, and customers. With government funding and incentives, the cost of training an apprentice is often much lower than people expect.”
“Start with a clear idea of what you want the apprentice to learn and achieve. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Work closely with a training provider that really understands the apprenticeship. Internally, assign mentors who can support the apprentice’s development and help apply what they’re learning in real life. And be patient. The first few months are about learning, but very soon, you’ll have someone who adds real value to your organisation.”
Apprentices don’t just fill a role. They bring new ideas, perspectives, and potential into your team. Their curiosity, adaptability, and passion for knowledge can refresh any department.
As they progress through their structured apprenticeship training and apply it in real-time, businesses gain a proactive, loyal team member who’s invested in both their personal development and the company’s success. With the right support, an apprentice can become one of your most valuable long-term assets.
EMA Training specialise in apprenticeships in accounting, marketing, data tech and payroll but collaborate with many other providers who we can expertly point you in the right direction of. If you’re ready to start your own apprenticeship journey and want to talk to us about how an apprentice can support your business goals, get in touch below today and let’s have a chat.
