How employers benefit from apprenticeship programmes
Apprenticeship programmes have increasingly become a strategic asset for companies looking to enhance their workforce with new skills, fresh perspectives, and improved employee retention.
Ben Crossley, ARU Degree Apprentice and Engineer at Essex Highways, and Ginevra Viscariello, Learning & Development Advisor at Ringway Jacobs Ltd, share how apprenticeships deliver long-term benefits to both the apprentice and the organisation.
Apprenticeships as a talent pipeline: creating skills for life
Employers increasingly view apprenticeships as a way to develop future talent and align training with business needs. For apprentices like Ben, who balance work and study, the integration into company culture starts from day one.
This continuous learning approach benefits employers too. By shaping apprentices from an early stage, organisations ensure that the skills developed align directly with company goals. Ginevra noted, "Apprenticeships help develop well-rounded individuals who are part of the talent pipeline for potential leadership roles," emphasising their value in succession planning.
Mutual benefits: upskilling and retention
Apprenticeships at Ringway Jacobs are designed to address specific skill gaps while preparing apprentices for a wide range of roles. One standout example is the rotation scheme, which exposes apprentices to different areas such as civil engineering, project management, and site supervision. This structure ensures apprentices emerge as multi-skilled professionals, equipped with skills for life.
Retention is another key benefit. Ginevra highlighted how Ringway Jacobs invests heavily in its apprentices, fostering loyalty. "When apprentices see how much the company is putting into their success, they feel valued and are more likely to stay," she said.
Even if apprentices move on, their development is viewed as a positive. Ginevra shared, "It’s about creating professionals who can make an impact, whether they stay with us or take their skills elsewhere, it’s about equipping apprentices to be successful in the industry as a whole."
Fresh perspectives and innovation
Apprenticeships don’t just develop skills—they bring innovation. Apprentices are involved in real projects from the start, offering new perspectives and challenging outdated processes. One line manager at Ringway Jacobs explained, "They’re not here to make tea—they’re here to make an impact."
Ben added, "As apprentices we saw a disconnect between the academic work, the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) requirements and the business needs. We identified core areas to close gaps in knowledge by rotating through departments, whereby apprentices see how everything connects. This understanding means we’re better equipped to identify improvements and suggest ideas that make a real difference."
Their contributions go beyond tasks—they become active agents of change, demonstrating how apprenticeships fuel growth for businesses and individuals alike.
Apprenticeship programmes enhance employer reputation
Employers that prioritise apprenticeships gain a reputation for nurturing talent and investing in the future. This is particularly evident at Ringway Jacobs, where apprentices have been shortlisted for national awards, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to excellence.
"Awards like these help highlight the strength of our apprenticeship programmes, but they also attract more high-calibre candidates to our organisation," Ginevra noted.
Beyond external recognition, the organisation sees its efforts as part of a broader mission to contribute to industry growth. Apprenticeships are viewed as a long-term strategy to equip individuals with skills for life, benefiting not just the company but the wider community and economy.
A win-win for employers and apprentices
Apprenticeships offer a wealth of benefits to both the apprentice and the employer. Companies like Ringway Jacobs not only build a skilled workforce and improve retention rates but also foster innovation and create a legacy of talent development.
By integrating academic learning with real-world experience, apprenticeships provide participants with skills they will use throughout their careers. For employers, the result is a more engaged, innovative, and capable workforce.
As the case of Ringway Jacobs demonstrates, apprenticeship programmes create a virtuous cycle of growth and opportunity. These initiatives truly embody the National Apprenticeship Week 2025 theme of skills for life, equipping individuals and organisations to succeed now and in the future.