5 reasons to consider training an apprentice for your school or trust

Apprenticeships aren’t just a way for individuals to develop their skills – they’re a game-changer for employers too.

From helping to develop fulfilled, motivated staff to nurturing talent for the future, apprenticeships are a training option that shouldn’t be overlooked.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the top reasons to consider an apprenticeship to upskill a member of your team, and how a Thrive apprenticeship could be the perfect opportunity to make a lasting difference in your school community.

 

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is an excellent way for individuals to gain hands-on experience while working towards a recognised professional qualification. Combining structured learning with practical, on-the-job training, apprenticeships equip learners with the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in their chosen career.

 
Who can do an apprenticeship?

To be eligible for an apprenticeship, learners must be 16 or over, living in England, and not in full-time education. While these are the general requirements, some apprenticeships may have additional criteria. For example, Thrive apprenticeships require learners to already be in a role where they’re working closely with children and young people.

It’s often assumed that apprenticeships are just for young people or those at the very start of their careers, however there’s no upper age limit on who can become an apprentice, making them a fantastic opportunity for individuals of all ages to learn new skills.

  

5 reasons to consider training an apprentice:

 

1. Upskill your team where you need it most

Apprenticeships enable you to upskill your team to meet the specific needs of your organisation. Ideal for colleagues already in a permanent role, they are open to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and career levels. Whether you’re upskilling a junior colleague or strengthening your leadership team, apprenticeships are an effective way to empower staff with hands-on experience and world-class education from experts in the field.

 

2. Cost-effective personal and professional development

Apprenticeships are a highly cost-effective way to build expertise in your team. Thanks to the Apprenticeship Levy Fund, you can upskill your staff at little or no cost to your organisation.

The levy is essentially a tax on large employers, designed to fund apprenticeship training and increase the number of apprenticeships available.

If your setting pays into the apprenticeship levy, you can use your contributions to fund apprenticeship training for staff. If your setting doesn’t pay into the levy, you pay just 5% of the training costs, with the remaining 95% covered by the government.

Employers with unspent levy funds can also transfer up to 50% of their contributions to another employer. This means you could benefit from another organisation’s levy funds to cover the full cost of an apprenticeship. Download your guide to the apprenticeship levy here.

 

3. Increase staff retention and improve job satisfaction

Investing in your employees’ growth shows that you value their contribution and care about their long-term development. This commitment creates a sense of belonging, leading to higher job satisfaction, greater loyalty, and improved staff retention.

The skills learners gain through an apprenticeship will not only enable them to excel in their roles but also inspire them to go above and beyond.

 

4. Build a positive school culture and improve pupil outcomes

In an educational setting, the training and support your team receives can have a direct impact on pupils’ behaviour, attendance and learning outcomes. By strategically selecting apprenticeships that align with your organisation’s priorities, such as pupil wellbeing, you’re equipping your team with the skills they need to better support pupils and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Plus, a team that feels confident and empowered helps to build a positive school culture, which benefits staff and leads to improved outcomes for children and young people.

 

5. Future-proof your organisation by nurturing talent

Apprenticeships help you to cultivate the next generation of talent within your organisation. By investing in apprentices, you’re building a pipeline of skilled, knowledgeable employees who understand your organisation’s values and goals. This forward-thinking approach ensures that you’re prepared to meet future challenges and adapt to changing demands.

 

Thrive wellbeing apprenticeships

If you think training an apprentice could benefit your setting, and you’re passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people, a Thrive apprenticeship could be the answer.

The Thrive Wellbeing Leadership Apprenticeship and Thrive Wellbeing Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship offer unique opportunities to build your team’s expertise and make a real difference to the children and young people in your care. Both offer dual awards, meaning apprentices gain a level 5 qualification (equivalent to a foundation degree) and Thrive Licensed Practitioner status.

Click below to explore our course pages where you'll find more details, FAQs and downloadable guides for employers.

Explore Thrive apprenticeships