Motor repair, and indeed the automotive trade as a whole, is facing trouble. The cost-of-living crisis has impacted the budgets of millions of households, while the jobs market faces unique challenges owing to shifting worker priorities. For smaller independents, hiring new staff can be difficult and above all costly – leading many to consider the option of an apprentice.
Taking on an apprentice is not necessarily simple or easy. Indeed, the various requirements that come along with hiring an apprentice can be roadblock enough for some smaller garages, let alone the division of time between hands-on work and sit-down training. There are also logistical considerations to make; for example, your motor trade insurance coverage would need to be comprehensive enough to cover your new staff and hardware needs.
That said, the positives can easily outweigh the negatives when it comes to bringing an apprentice on board. Knowing a little more in advance about what an apprentice can do for you is all it takes. Here are three of the leading advantages to creating apprenticeship space within your own automotive business.
Reduces Costs
The first advantage is the most commonly understood one, and the initial reason for which many businesses start to think about creating space for an apprenticeship: money. Apprenticeship wages are less than the minimum wage, on account of counting towards a vocational qualification and guaranteed gainful employment at a given position. This allows you to fill a role at your business at lower cost than usual, with the caveat that training is necessary.
On top of this, there are avenues available for funding wherein the government can grant cash dependant on the nature of your business and of the apprenticeship. For example, you could get £1,000 towards apprentice support if they are between 16 and 18.
Reduces Employee Turnover
Taking on apprentices can also help you more properly manage your business’ staff turnover. Staff turnover or ‘churn’ can be an expensive thing, and especially so in a febrile employment market where employees are more boldly seeking favourable employment terms.
A recent government study found that nearly two thirds of all apprentice ‘graduates’ remain in full-time employment at the employer with which they completed their apprenticeship. This could drastically improve your situation with regard to staff turnover, further minimising costs and boosting productivity as well.
Builds the Next Generation
Lastly, the sheer importance of vocational study and qualification on a national level cannot be ignored. While the population are more educated than ever before, interest in vocational pursuits has dropped off noticeably in recent decades. With less hands interested in learning skilled trades, there are serious shortages across industries – from manufacturing to motoring and beyond. Simply put, taking on an apprentice is your business doing its bit for the future of your industry.