Have you ever considered taking on an apprentice, but not sure of the benefits (and wary of the pitfalls)?
I think this is a common situation for local businesses, so I thought that the Chiltern Chamber should try to answer your questions on apprenticeships (including on funding availability).

In these days of expensive university fees, many top-quality school leavers are shunning uni life and opting for an apprenticeship instead. I know – I employed one four years ago, and she’s still with me. However, it wasn’t easy finding the right student and the right course…in fact it was a bit of a minefield! However, with the right help, it doesn’t need to be – and funding is available as well!

Alternatively, you may have an existing member of staff who would really benefit from further training. You want them to remain available to you to work, you want them to learn something really useful and relevant to your business and they want to have a nationally recognised qualification at the end of it. Again, an apprenticeship may be just the thing.

I’m delighted that Lisa Clark, from iSales,who is an expert in apprenticeships, will be speaking at our next Chiltern Chamber evening event, and will be answering these questions and more.

But that’s not all! I’m sure you’ve been asked by a local school if you would take one of their students for work-shadowing. You want to do it, because you’re community minded, but worried that it may be a hassle, and not worth the powder and shot? Well, we have Rachael Deraed, from the Bucks Skills Hub, to discuss how to make the most of work-shadowing students – and why everyone wins!

On a personal note, I have regularly taken work shadowing students from our local schools and colleges – and in September I shall be employing one… and he will be doing an apprenticeship with me!

So why don’t you join us for this event on 19th June, from 5-7pm at the Ivy House, Chalfont St Giles? To book, please just click here.

I do hope you will be able to join me for what will be a very informative and interesting evening.

Kind Regards,

Nicola Ryall – Chair