Apprenticeships remain an excellent way for individuals, no matter the age, to gain hands-on experience in a professional, working environment whilst gaining an education and qualification at the same time. An apprenticeship can be instrumental in training and delivering the skilled workforce employers very much desire and value, without the need to wait whilst candidates complete traditional academic routes.
Apprenticeships offer a myriad of benefits for both companies and apprentices. They can reduce recruitment costs, develop a diverse, educated and skilled workforce, boost productivity and promote a learning culture within a business. Below we explore some of the benefits that Athlon has found by developing an Apprenticeship programme that brings talent into our organisation across all areas of the business.
Benefits to the business
- Develop diverse and talented teams – Build a workforce with varied backgrounds and perspectives
- Introduce industry-leading skills and practices – Apprentices bring fresh, innovative ideas and techniques, ensuring the company stays competitive and cutting-edge
- Improve employee retention and satisfaction – Investing in apprenticeships shows a commitment to employee growth, leading to job satisfaction and loyalty.
- Apprenticeship colleagues are often counted outside of standard business headcount unlocking additional resource that could be otherwise unavailable.
Benefits to the apprentice
- Earn while you learn – Apprentices earn a salary whilst gaining valuable first-hand work experience.
- Gain an industry-recognised qualification – Completing an apprenticeship provides a credential that reflects your hard work and skills and is recognised by employers.
- Combine academic knowledge with hands-on experience – Apprenticeships offer a balanced approach to learning, integrating education and practical application.
- Advance in their career – The unique blend of skills and experience helps provide a clear pathway for progression, equipping individuals with the skills needed to move into higher roles.
- Advancement in education – some apprenticeships can lead onto degree apprenticeships. This could be part or fully funded by the employer, meaning the apprentice earns whilst they learn and benefits from a subsidised university education.
With on-the-job experience and educational support, apprentices acquire real-world, professional skills, guided by their team and mentors. They bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, positively impacting the way a company operates. Hear what our Level 3 Business Administration apprentice has to say about their apprenticeship experience so far:
“My apprenticeship has been an incredibly rewarding journey so far. I am thoroughly enjoying my time at Athlon, and from day one, I have felt supported by my line manager, mentor and the entire team. Athlon has provided invaluable guidance whenever needed, and this experience has significantly boosted my confidence and skills. It has truly been a fantastic environment for my professional growth and I am excited to develop my skills even further during my apprenticeship.”
- Business Administration Apprentice
With a history of nurturing apprentices - past, present and future - we are proud to have witnessed the remarkable achievements of individuals who have surpassed the standard expectations.
One such success story is that of our IT apprentice, who has recently advanced to a higher role within the Athlon IT team. Demonstrating exceptional strength and capabilities, this individual has received numerous recognition nominations by colleagues, underscoring their skills and development. Their apprenticeship journey is a testament to the power of dedication and hard work, culminating in them being identified as the ideal candidate for the position.
“Our IT apprentice has developed a large palette of new skills and gained a lot of valuable experience since he started his apprenticeship. His recent promotion only confirmed that his growth was way beyond any expectations. I hope this will positively impact his future and help him follow his career path”
- Head of IT Services
We were delighted to see our Marketing Apprentice nominated as a regional finalist in the East of England National Apprenticeship Awards as well as the BVRLA’s industry heroes award. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the exceptional talent and dedication of our apprentice but also underscores the high standards of our apprenticeship program and mentors. Being recognised at such a prestigious awards is a testament to the hard work, creativity and spirit that our apprentice brings to the marketing team. It also reflects our commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment where apprentices can thrive and excel.
“I have been fortunate enough to have managed two brilliant apprentices over the past three years, who have both gone on to pass their exams with flying colours - leading to distinctions, job offers, degree-level further education and National award nominations. Having an apprentice is like planting a seed of potential, with the responsibility to help guide, grow and develop their talent. The apprentice program has brought me a sense of fulfilment and pride that enriches the entire team and all of our outputs. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their skills develop and their confidence soar, knowing that I have played a part in shaping their future. The fresh perspectives and enthusiasm young talent can bring inspires and rejuvenates the entire team - resulting in a dynamic and collaborative environment where everyone thrives.”
- Marketing and Communications Manager
Myth Busting
Apprenticeships are only for school leavers
There is no age limit for an apprenticeship. Whether you have just left school and are starting your career journey or, you have been in a career for a while and are seeking a career change later in life, an apprenticeship can provide the support and guidance you need. At Athlon UK, we are thrilled to have a diverse age group of apprentices.
Our Marketing Specialist shares her journey into HR below:
"Whilst I had completed my Level 3 Diploma in HR Practice, I knew that advancing my career required more hands-on experience. An apprenticeship supported by Athlon has provided exactly that. Not only am I progressing through my next qualification at a pace that accommodates my work and family commitments, but I’m also gaining invaluable experience integrated within our HR team too."
Apprenticeships aren’t as ‘good’ as degrees
University isn’t the only path to a successful career. There are numerous routes to achieve your professional goals, including apprenticeships. Apprenticeships come in various levels, including degree apprenticeships where you can earn the same degree as you would if you attended university. The difference is that you will complete it while earning a salary and gaining on-the-job experience. This practical approach can be an excellent alternative for those who prefer a more hands-on learning environment.
Our IT degree apprentice shares her experience:
“I chose to do a degree apprenticeship at Athlon over full-time university because I wanted to bridge the gap between learning and applying knowledge in the workplace and to avoid student debt. My apprenticeship experience has been incredibly rewarding; I have developed skills in PowerApps and automation, creating tools that Athlon now regularly uses. Working full-time while benefiting from university education has allowed me to apply my studies directly to my role, improving my communication and overall performance.”
"I am immensely proud of what our apprentices achieve, their commitment, attitude to learning and enthusiasm to develop is outstanding"
- Mike Maywood, board sponsor for apprentices
Athlon Mobility Services is committed to developing young talent to be fleet experts with a view to providing passionate and great support our customers and service partners as we and the individuals grow as a brand. By developing with Apprentices, we are “growing our own” talent pool to support the business and making them an exceptional candidate for any future role within Athlon or externally as a kick start to their career
Whatever your destination. Whatever your personal vision. And whatever your business goals: Athlon gets you there. Join us for an inspiring, enjoyable and easy ride into the future.
We take pride in supporting each and every one of our apprentices throughout their career journey. At Athlon, we don’t just offer individuals the chance to develop their skills and earn a qualification; we genuinely value the positive impact our apprentices have on the business and their colleagues.
The integration of apprentices has significantly transformed our learning culture, fostering an environment of continuous growth and innovation. Their fresh perspectives and eagerness to lean have invigorated our teams, driving us to new heights of excellence.
We are committed to shaping the future of mobility in fleet management and our apprentices play a crucial role in this mission. By nurturing their talents and providing them with the tools they need to succeed, we are not only investing in their futures but also in the future of our industry. Together, we are building a dynamic and skills workforces that will lead the way in the ever-evolving world of fleet.
Source
Apprenticeships, Academic year 2023/24 - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK
Fast forward
Do you like to read more, are you curious about our related solutions and cases, or would you like to find out what Athlon can do for you?
Other challenges
Rethink your mobility when it comes to the trends we are facing.
All challenges