While many things have changed in the digital age, with the internet and other various forms of technology leading the charge, one thing that hasn’t altered for business owners is the value of investing in the potential of young minds.
The business world has changed significantly in the last 20 years, but one thing that has remained a constant is that the success or failure of a company very much rests on the skills and knowledge of its employees. Hiring an apprentice is an age-old business strategy that has provided young people with an opportunity to pursue a career, while allowing a company to benefit from what they can bring to the table.
In this post, we’ll take a look at a few of the advantages of hiring an apprentice.
1. Adept use of technology
In an era where the internet and technology are so vital for business success, having a workforce that’s familiar with and skilled at using computers, software and industry-related devices, is essential. So while your current employees may well be highly-efficient in all areas of their job, there’s a lot to be said for employing a new generation of staff that is skilled in using the very latest devices and software.
Although there is some concern about the amount of time people spend in front of screens these days, it’s the abundance of time spent using computers and devices that makes young people such an asset. Not only does it make them comfortable with and competent at using technology, it also means they’ll have a much better chance of learning and applying tech-based skills.
2. Taking on an apprentice can increase productivity
Productivity is arguably the most crucial aspect of any workplace. Without it, employees would fail to produce the quality and quantity of work that’s required for a business to succeed. It’s for this reason that business owners should always strive to find new and efficient ways to increase productivity at work, and it just so happens that one way to do so is by hiring an apprentice.
Bringing an apprentice into the fold has proved to be highly beneficial for small businesses, as it has influenced the overall productivity of their company. This is unsurprising when you consider how enthusiastic apprentices are about their chosen industry, which can often rejuvenate your current employees’ love for their craft. Having a new member of staff around also provides opportunities for other employees to move up the ladder, which will naturally motivate them to work harder.
3. Positive impact on workplace environment
Another vital aspect of a business’s success is the quality of the workplace environment, as the mood, attitude and morale of your employees can make or break a company. The introduction of a fresh face and a new personality can be a refreshing change that alters the workplace dynamic and brings new ideas to the team. Although not every team will welcome change, taking on an apprentice who is yet to establish themselves in an industry means they won’t arrive with their own agenda or ego.
For an apprentice to learn the skills and knowledge they need to advance in their career, they’ll need to learn from a group of experienced employees who are willing to help upskill them. Although an apprentice will learn a great deal from training programs and studying, on-site training from current employees or mentors is invaluable.
For your other employees, there’s a fantastic sense of achievement in helping an apprentice to evolve into a budding professional.
As an employer, it also gives you an ideal opportunity to see which of your employees are suitable for management roles, and who is ready to take on more responsibility.
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