Feb 7 2023 8:01AM
The national average of employees undertaking an apprenticeship each year is 3.5%, however here at Arion we currently have 26.6% of our employees undertaking an apprenticeship, ranging from our Directors to our Fire Engineers. Arion is committed to providing its employees with practical training and real world experience, as well as investing in the development of its workforce. We value the benefits that apprenticeships bring, such as a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, improved morale and increased productivity. By having such a high percentage of employees in apprenticeships, Arion is setting an example for other companies to follow in the importance of investing in the development of their employees.
Director of Operations
"Becoming an apprentice at 27 wasn’t something I planned but the opportunity to undertake a postgraduate diploma in Senior Leadership with Bishop Grosseteste University came along and it was something I didn’t want to miss. It came at a perfect time in my professional career, as an operations manager there is a lot of responsibility and I have a lot to learn. I am currently halfway through my apprenticeship and I have already learnt so much and been able to apply this knowledge to my work."
Director of Operations
"Being an apprentice has been an invaluable experience for me. I’ve enjoyed the balance of learning in a classroom setting and applying what I learned on the job. The guidance and mentorship provided by my tutors at BGU has been a key factor in my growth as a leadership professional. Overall, the apprenticeship has helped me to build a strong foundation for the next stage in my career and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to be a high-performing leader, enabling me to get the most from those looking to me for guidance on a daily basis. I highly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone looking to start or advance their career."
Junior Health & Safety Consultant
"I started as a Junior Health & Safety Consultant at Arion in August 2021 with minimal experience but a keen interest in the field. Arion provided me with extensive training and supported me through my Level 3 NVQ at Lincoln College, as well as other qualifications. The company has exposed me to various industries and provided me with key skills and knowledge through experienced staff. My role has evolved and I've learned, developed, and progressed with the company's support. Working with a diverse range of clients has allowed me to apply my knowledge and skills to different industries and complete work to a high standard. As I continue to learn and develop, my knowledge and skills will improve."
Trainee Fire Engineer
"As an apprentice, I have found that shadowing my colleagues has been a valuable experience in gaining hands-on training and learning from those with more experience. It has helped me in areas where I may have struggled. I appreciate the support I receive both internally and externally, both at work and through my college. The internal support from my colleagues has been instrumental in helping me to gain confidence and develop my skills, while external support through my college has provided me with structured learning and certification in my field. Overall, I believe that being an apprentice has been a great way for me to gain experience and knowledge while receiving support from both my workplace and my college."
The history of apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships have a rich history dating back to the medieval craft guilds in the 12th century. Apprentices were young people, typically males, who learned a trade by working for a guild master and lived with their master, receiving room and board but no wage. In 1563, the Statute of Artificers established a national apprenticeship system with conditions similar to modern apprenticeships.
By 1900, there were around 340,000 apprenticeships per year, expanding from traditional trades to the industrial age of shipbuilding, engineering, and plumbing. After WWI and WWII, apprenticeships saw a significant increase, with 1/3 of boys leaving school entering apprenticeships by the 1960s. However, apprenticeships declined after reaching a peak in the 1960s, with half as many apprentices in employment in 1995 compared to 1979.
The modern apprenticeships.
In 1968, the Royal Commission on Trade Unions and Employers' Associations found that traditional apprenticeships were inadequate in terms of training and skill acquisition. In 1993, "modern apprenticeships" were introduced in England and Wales, counting apprentices as employees with a written contract and a wage. By the end of 1998, almost 250,000 people had started a modern apprenticeship. In 2012, minimum standards for apprenticeships were established, requiring a minimum of 1 year, 30 hours of work per week, and guided learning. By 2022, 1.8% of the workforce in England had started an apprenticeship.