How to Futureproof Your Business by Investing in People and Skills

There are many recruitment resources an employer can use to grow their business, but how can you do this on a budget in these challenging times.   You already have a lot of the tools you need by utilising existing skills within your workforce but you can also explore new and exciting talent pools by introducing an apprenticeship programme, nurturing future employees through Internships and employing Graduates who will bring new ideas to help grow your business and contribute to the local economy.

Apprenticeships 

An Apprenticeship allows people of any age to work and train at the same time and is a great way to give your business a competitive edge. As a business, you can select an apprenticeship standard that is relevant to the job requirements and provides your new or  existing employees with the skills and training they need to progress.
The introduction of the apprenticeship levy and the move to employer-led standards have put businesses in the driving seat. More control of funding, the chance to collaborate on new standards as a Trailblazer, and the introduction of higher and degree apprenticeships mean that there has never been a better or more exciting time to consider apprenticeships.

You can find out more information about Apprenticeships on the Higher Futures page Apprenticeships and other locally delivered Higher Education training including apprenticeships can be found here at the Learning Hub a great new resource. 

Internship

An internship is an opportunity offered by an employer to potential employees, called interns, to work at a firm for a fixed period. Interns are usually undergraduates or students, and most internships last between a month and three months. ... An internship can be either paid or voluntary.

Many local universities offer an undergraduate internship scheme, or something similar, to help students and undergraduates receive the experience and skills they need for their degree, whilst simultaneously boosting your business and helping to aid economy recovery and providing essential work experience. The Scheme provides funding of the undergraduate, which will allow you to bring free, vital, up to date and relevant skills into your organisation while giving you the opportunity to talent spot future leaders. In view of the recent coronavirus pandemic, local schemes have had to adapt to new working environments such as home working, or in a digital capability and to adhere to government rulings. 

You can find out more about Bath Spa University’s Digital Internship Programme here and UWE Bristol’s Undergraduate Internship Scheme 2020 here.

Graduate Scheme

A graduate scheme is a structured training programme run by an employer to develop future leaders of their organisation.

Graduate programmes, which usually last between one and two years (although they can be longer), are often available in a number of specialisms - or streams as they're known - ranging from finance, retail, HR and marketing, to management and law.
Employing a graduate may be the most cost-effective choice to bring fresh ideas, skills, and innovation to your business.  A local initiative a partnership operation of Bath Spa University, University of Bath, Bath College and the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership called the GradTalent Development Agency offers a free personalised employment service designed to assist graduates from the South West to secure local graduate opportunities and supports graduates whilst in the workplace.

If you need any help and support navigating any of these or other Higher Education training options please contact [email protected]  our Skills and Enterprise Adviser.