Maximising Workforce Development

Apprenticeships have long been recognised as a cornerstone of the UK’s workforce development strategy. They offer a unique blend of on-the-job training and academic learning, providing individuals with the skills and experience they need to succeed in their chosen careers. This case study delves into the benefits of apprenticeships in Kura, why we need to encourage more people to take part and highlighting the use of the FWDF.

Kura is a global independent outsourcing company with offices in Glasgow, Sunderland, and Durban. The company is in its first year of apprenticeship programmes and has its first Digital Marketing apprentice. It is also the first year that we have accessed the Flexible Workforce Development Fund in Scotland, for Levy paying employers.

Kura is a global independent outsourcing company with offices in Glasgow, Sunderland, and Durban. The company is in its first year of apprenticeship programmes and has its first Digital Marketing apprentice. It is also the first year that we have accessed the Flexible Workforce Development Fund in Scotland, for Levy paying employers.

Methodology

Research was carried out from the internet and the  Apprenticeships.scot: and Apprenticeships websites.

Benefits of Apprenticeships

1. Skill Development:

Statistics reveal that 86% of apprentices mention that they gained practical, job-specific skills that directly contributed to their career development.

Ryan said, “I am using my learning from the apprenticeship 100% in my role. The key things I have learned so far is effective copywriting, market analytics and tailoring content to different audiences.”

1. Increased Productivity

The statistics show that a company can expect a 12% increase in production output, attributed to the fresh talent and skills brought in by apprentices. This boost in productivity can be attributed to a motivated and skilled workforce, which enhances operational efficiency.

Ryan said, “it has really allowed me to show people what I can do for the business” and his line manager stated that the output of his work had improved while on the programme.

1. Improved Employee Retention

Employee retention is a crucial factor in reducing recruitment and training costs. The employee retention rate for apprentices is 85%, compared to 60% for non-apprentice employees. Apprenticeships have contributed to higher employee retention rates.

Ryan said “my aspiration after completing my apprenticeship is to become permanent in my Communications Coordinator role”

1. Cost Savings

One of the primary benefits of apprenticeships is the cost-effectiveness of training new talent. Statistics say there can be a 30% reduction in recruitment and training costs after implementing apprenticeship programs. This is because apprenticeships allow the company to develop its own skilled workforce, reducing the need for external hiring and onboarding expenses. Kura has saved approximately £5,000 for this one apprentice when compared to hiring experienced employees for the same role. Furthermore, the government apprenticeship levy has supported the company in recouping all the training costs, as his apprenticeship was fully funded.

Ryan was hired internally from an advisor position, and his apprenticeship is supplied by QA. Kura has a dedicated support manager and Ryan has a dedicated coach that he stays in regular contact with throughout the programme.

1. Enhanced Employee Satisfaction

Employee satisfaction plays a crucial role in the overall success of a company. Statistics indicate that 90% of apprentices report higher job satisfaction compared to their peers who did not participate in apprenticeship programs. This increase in satisfaction is linked to the structured training and development opportunities provided through apprenticeships.

Ryan said “I’m loving the apprenticeship so far and I am really excited about what is coming up in my courses”

1. Diversity and Inclusion:

Apprenticeships can provide an avenue for businesses to diversify their workforce. Statistics show a 15% increase in the recruitment of female apprentices and individuals from underrepresented communities. Ryan himself is autistic and has found both the supplier and his line managers are providing him with fantastic support around adjusting the programme make it easier for him. This diversity not only aligns with the company’s social responsibility goals but also fosters a more inclusive workplace culture.

We currently have our first apprentice who works as a communications coordinator. He is taking the SQCF level 6 in Digital marketing. He is thoroughly enjoying the experience.

• We have a dedicated apprenticeship space on the Lead and Inspire OD page on our Intranet, The Bridge. In there we have new apprenticeship guides for both apprentices and their line managers for their information and support.
• We conduct quarterly reviews to see how the apprentice, their line manager and supplier are getting on.
• We are completing regular blogs on apprenticeships on The Bridge to generate interest and inform the business of the success of the apprenticeship programme and the FWDF.
• We intend to do more communication during apprentices’ weeks – 5^th-11^th February 2024 in England and 6^th – 10^th March 2024 for Scotland.
• Other apprenticeships that could be useful for Kura employees:
  • Customer Service, Business Administration, Providing Financial Services, IT: Hardware and System Support, Payroll, Accounting, Data Analytics

FWDF – We completed 2 x Intermediate Excel and 2 x Advanced Excel courses with 35 people attending. The feedback from the course was excellent – in general everyone enjoyed the course, some felt it was a good refresher with the majority learning new tools and skills that they could easily apply to their day job. Several delegates felt that it would help them improve their reports for their clients and their operating packs, and to enhance their dashboard reporting to the business. Everyone who attended would recommend these courses to colleagues.

This study demonstrates that an apprenticeship has brought benefits to Kura. The introduction of this one apprenticeship has led to increased productivity, improved employee retention, significant cost savings, and enhanced employee satisfaction. These outcomes have not only positively impacted the company’s bottom line but have also contributed to its long-term sustainability and growth.

Apprenticeships continue to be a crucial tool in addressing skills gaps, promoting workforce development, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning in the UK. Kura’s success story serves as an example of how apprenticeships can benefit both employers and employees, making them an essential component of the UK’s workforce development strategy.

From improved skill development and cost savings to enhanced productivity and diversity, these programs have had a positive impact on both Ryan’s individual career growth and the overall success of the organisation.

We will also continue to take advantage of the FWDF when the new year fund opens in October. The FWDF can continue to help us address priority skills and skills gaps in Kura by accessing funding to create training programmes that meet our needs for employees of all ages