Apprentices help your bottom line

Taking on an apprentice allows you to develop their skills according to your own standards – it’s an investment in growing your business and the industry as a whole. Ken Monk, managing director of Hamilton’s Montage Kitchens and Joinery, explains why he hires apprentices

Ken Monk’s company employs 19 staff and has trained more than 20 apprentices since opening its doors in 1980. Ken says training apprentices is a great way to add to a business’ bottom line.

“You end up with highly skilled, valuable tradespeople, who understand how your business operates. That helps the bottom line, because it improves your ability to create high-quality products,” he says. “We always try to have two on the go: one at the start of their training and one nearly qualified.”

Ken says the other reason he trains apprentices is that it builds a stable workforce within the business and industry.

“We’ve got a lot of apprentices who have served their time with us and stayed on after completing their qualifications,” he says. “That helps with staff retention, by building a strong team culture. I haven’t had anyone leave in five years.”

He believes it is important that employers build a relationship with their apprentices and make sure they’re well looked after.

“When I was an apprentice, I was taken care of by my employer. They paid for the costs and it was a great way to train. For me, training is about putting something back into the industry and giving someone the opportunities that I had.”

 

“You end up with highly skilled, valuable tradespeople, who understand how your business operates. That helps the bottom line, by improving your ability to create high-quality products

 

Train apprentices and build success

Training motivates employees to achieve, because they feel more invested in the work they’re doing. It’s great for your business, because it encourages your staff to stick around and creates a positive organisational culture.

Develop a high level of quality within your business

A consistent level of artisanship is important to your clients and your business, so you need to have confidence in your workers’ skills. When you have oversight into the training of your workers, you can understand their strengths and areas for development, and teach them according to the standards of your business.

Give back to your industry

You were an apprentice once; someone gave you an opportunity to gain the skills of your trade. To make sure the industry has enough qualified professionals to be sustainable, we need skilled and willing employers to help shape the next generation.

Stay up to date by training others

Training others will keep you on your toes. It’s a good way to keep abreast of the latest industry developments, meet others in the industry, and learn some new skills yourself.

If you’re an employer interested in taking on a new apprentice, contact BCITO on 0800 4BCITO (422 486). The business development team may be able to help you find a career seeker who fits your profile.

Why train apprentices?

• Employees are more motivated when training, because they’re more invested in their work.
• You get to instill good work habits in them early on, ensuring a consistent level of craftsmanship.
• You’re ensuring the industry’s future by training tomorrow’s workforce.
• It’s an opportunity to give someone else the same opportunity you were given.
• Training apprentices can help improve staff morale and retention.

 

Main image: Apprentice joiner Kaleb Halley is learning a lot in his apprenticeship with Montage Kitchens & Joinery