Apprenticeships case study - Access Bank UK Limited
Why did you choose to employ apprentices?
Apprenticeships are a chance to combine ‘on the job’ learning and coaching, alongside ‘off the job’ learning through BPP (our approved Chartered Institute of Personnel Development training provider).
This gives our apprentice the chance to gain the experience and knowledge needed to work within the HR function effectively. Over the course of their studies, they will gain a professional qualification to underpin that experience.
What benefits has your apprenticeship programme brought to your business?
Our apprenticeship programme has given us the opportunity to promote and nurture potential and new talent. It’s reduced our staffing and recruitment costs. It’s also improved our reputation, as well as the morale and motivation of our employees.
Who are the apprentices that work for you?
Abiola works in the HR team and is doing an apprenticeship with us in Human Resource Management - Higher Level 5. She is a permanent, salaried member of staff with full employee benefits.
Over the past year, Abiola has built on her knowledge and understanding that she’s gained from her studies and the banking environment, whilst working with our customers in the business.
How does hiring and the day to day management of apprentices compare with other routes, such as graduate schemes or traineeships?
It’s important to ensure that a well-planned induction and structured training plan is in place from the start; supported by ongoing coaching and feedback on progress. This helped our apprentice to successfully transition into the workplace.
Would you recommend apprentices to other businesses? If so, why?
Yes. We’ve developed a training and development plan to help support her to gain the skills needed to be an effective member of the HR team.
What piece of advice would you give to employers who are considering hiring apprentices?
The National Apprenticeship Service worked with us to advertise the vacancy on their website and to help us pick the right candidate in line with the job specification. This helped us attract the right sort of applicants to join The Access Bank UK team.
Where are your apprentices now?
Abiola is currently half way through her apprenticeship. Once it’s finished, she’ll have the opportunity to continue her professional CIPD qualification via the bank’s sponsored learning policy.
Anything you’d like to add?
Our apprentice found that the apprenticeship selection process made her think about a career in HR in a different way. The world of work is changing – and so is HR. There are chances to develop skills in areas like resourcing and talent planning, employee engagement, and reward management. The HR apprenticeship route could be her ticket to a rewarding and interesting career.