Why now is a great time to recruit apprentices

Since the major financial meltdown of 2008, there have been less and less apprentices being taken on by the heating industry, with many business owners focussing on steadying the ship rather than employing new and inexperienced members of staff. This lack of recruitment may soon lead to a serious shortage of qualified heating and plumbing professionals, just when the UK needs them the most. With carbon emission targets, new smart technologies and the rise of renewable energy sources, there is a great need for people with knowledge of domestic and commercial heating systems to utilise their skills to ensure the UK is at the forefront of energy efficient heating. September is actually a great time to take on apprentices. After a break for the summer, many young people will have decided not to continue in further education and will be looking for a viable trade to get into and build their skills, knowledge and experience. Having the ability to learn and earn at the same time is a very appetising proposition for many young people who have opted against going to college or university. Now the economy is in a slightly better position, it could make excellent business sense to take on an apprentice. Having a young person train on the job in accordance with your methods, standards and values is an excellent of recruiting a new employee, as well as ensuring they get the best technical knowledge and qualifications. 80% of all apprentices are taken on by small and medium-sized companies within the building sector, so this statistic really displays the importance of these companies in crafting the future of the heating industry in Britain. If you are one of these types of companies and haven’t taken on an apprentice for quite some time, you may wish to give it some serious consideration. An apprentice is a cost-effective recruitment solution and may well be a long term investment in your business due the to extra work you can take on and the knowledge it will be done by someone who has learnt directly from you. Article by Benjamin Clarke