As a potent part of the UK economy dominated by microbusinesses and SMEs, the Creative sector has struggled with apprenticeships, but with the new government aiming to re-energise them, it’s time to dispose of some myths :

Apprenticeships are NOT only for young people: Although frequently linked to inexperienced school leavers or young adults, they are available to people of all ages – 50% of apprentices are over 25. They are a way to develop and retain quality staff or transfer skills from other sectors (such as project management) and not just for entry-level recruitment, though an apprenticeship could be the next step after a work placement or internship.

Apprenticeships are NOT just for manual or low-skilled jobs: Creative specialist training providers support a wide range of apprenticeship standards including Marketing Executive, Content Creator, Production Technician, Broadcast Production Assistant and  Business Administrator.

Apprenticeships are NOT less respected than university degrees: Many talented young people are challenged by the cost of a university education and want to get into work – especially if they have a passion! There is a pathway of apprenticeships that can lead to the equivalent to degree-level education, shaped within the employing company, so in-tune and up-to-date.  Buddying or mentoring a learner is also a great way to develop your more experienced staff.

Apprenticeships DO address skills gaps: Apprenticeships are designed by employers to meet industry needs and they are agile – tailored to address the evolving demands of fast-changing sectors like ours. Upskilling existing staff within your organisation via the apprenticeship route provides the opportunity to retain and develop them – a key driver of job satisfaction.

And you can get help with funding – assuming that your company doesn’t have the £3m annual payroll that triggers the Apprenticeship Levy (!!), you can cover all the training cost through the Share to Support Scheme commissioned by the West of England Combined Authority and funded by the UKSPF (UK Shared Prosperity Fund), Over £3m has been gifted by larger companies to support SME’s accessing apprenticeships in the West of England, and it’s available to YOU.

It’s managed by the Western Training Providers Network – to find out more, just get in touch with: [email protected] and [email protected]

Or go along to one of their drop-in sessions

Engine Shed, Temple Meads, Bristol – Every Wednesday, 9am – 1pm Free Weekly Business Apprenticeship Guidance Drop-In Session | The WTPN

Future Space, Stoke Gifford, Bristol – The first Thursday of the Month, 10am – 12.00pm Monthly Future Space Apprenticeship Guidance Drop-In Session | The WTPN

About VID Communications

VID is a consultancy run by Paul Appleby, developing collaborations in creative technology and promoting the region nationally.