As brokers up and down the country look for cost-effective ways to grow their business in these challenging economic conditions, many are discovering that taking on an apprentice is a rewarding option. Hard-working and hungry to progress, apprentices can offer enormous benefits to a broker’s business. It is no wonder the British Chamber of Commerce reports that 80% of employers surveyed say apprentices make the workplace more productive.

In recognition of their immense value, Insurance Times and Aviva have teamed up to launch their Apprenticeships initiative. The partnership will highlight the benefits of apprentices and provide free support to those broking directors who want to take on an apprentice, as well as to the apprentices themselves (see box on the benefits, below).

Key advantages

One of the great things about taking on an apprentice is that there’s plenty of government support available. There is funding, grants and other support resources on hand to help get your company started with apprenticeships. In fact, you could be up and running with an apprentice in your office in just eight weeks.

So how could your business benefit from taking on apprentices? Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to employ and train young people: apprentices need to be paid at least the minimum wage, and businesses may be eligible for financial support, such as grants and learning loans.

2. Apprentices have proven to be more loyal and committed employees: 80% of employers with apprenticeships feel they reduce staff turnover (source: Populus).

3. You set the skills you require your apprentice to have: 83% of employers rely on their apprenticeship programme to provide the skilled workers they need for the future (source: Populus).

4. You can fill the skill gaps you need to have the competitive edge: 77% of employers believe apprenticeships make them more competitive (source: Populus).

Adding value

More than 50% of apprentices go on to management positions within the business. But there are plenty of rewards even before they are qualified. Forty-one per cent of businesses surveyed by Populus said their apprentices make a valuable contribution to the business during their training period, while a further 33% report that apprentices add value within their first few weeks.

The rewards extend beyond this too. Research carried out by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) shows that more than 80% of people are more likely to use a business if it offers apprenticeships to young people - so use local PR to promote it and feature the employer badge on your marketing material.

Helping your business grow

Leeds-based Bartlett Group has taken on a number of apprentices and is already feeling the benefits (see the case study, right). Head of credit insurance Nick Stubbs says: “Definitely do it. The admin from an employer’s perspective is fairly light. There are some great candidates out there without degrees who can make a very strong contribution to your business.”

There’s no time to lose. Join up today with Insurance Times and Aviva Apprenticeships to take the first steps towards taking on an apprentice to help your
business grow.

Case study: Bartlett Group

Leeds-based Bartlett Group, one of the largest independent brokers in the North East, has taken on a number of apprentices and is reaping the benefits.

Head of corporate risk Mike Briggs says his apprentice, Dexter Mudumu, who joined in July last year, has been “excellent”. He adds: “Dexter’s contribution has been fantastic. He’s been working right since day one even through his training period.”

Now he believes all brokers should follow Bartlett Group’s example and take advantage of the rewards that an apprenticeship programme can offer.

Broker views

Nick Stubbs, head of credit insurance, Bartlett Group: “This initiative is an excellent idea. There is so little training going on within the industry at the moment, so something like this is a real must. There was a time when five O-Levels opened up every career to you, and this redresses the balance between everybody having to have a degree and bringing through good quality staff.”

Mike Briggs, head of corporate risk, Bartlett Group: “The Aviva and Insurance Times promotion is a great idea if it helps brokers engage in the apprenticeship programme. I would encourage other brokers to join. It’s a great feeling to be able to offer someone their first job and start in a profession, and it is also good value for the business.”

Apprentice’s view: Dexter Mudumu, apprentice, Bartlett Group

Bartlett Group apprentice Dexter Mudumu joined in July last year and he’s delighted with the result. With university fees at an all-time high, Dexter decided he wanted a professional career, but without the financial burden.

Speaking to Insurance Times about how he has found it so far, he said: “It’s been fantastic, I’ve learned and experienced so much. I was taken down to London and went around the insurance market and it was really interesting.”

Dexter said he’s also looking forward to getting qualified. “You can gain up to a degree-level qualification, which is ACII level, and once you gain that qualification it’s internationally recognised so you can go really far with that.”

Dexter added that he would recommend it to any younger person. “I would definitely encourage them to take it up, because you can learn a lot from insurers and brokers, and you can get so much experience that other companies recognise and take into account, so it will benefit them.”

For full video interviews with Dexter, Nick and Mike, go to insurancetimes.co.uk/apprenticeships.