The real impact of apprenticeships on career development: investing in the future

For Ginevra Viscariello, Learning & Development Advisor at Ringway Jacobs, apprenticeships are a powerful tool for shaping the future - both for individuals and for the organisation. Through her work, she has seen the profound effect these programmes have on career development, equipping participants with skills for life that drive long-term success.

Creating opportunities that shape careers

Ginevra describes apprenticeships as the ultimate investment in talent. By offering individuals the chance to gain practical experience while earning academic qualifications, apprenticeships provide a unique pathway to career success.

"Apprenticeships allow people to discover what they’re truly capable of while building skills that set them up for life," she explained. "For many, it’s not just the first step in their career - it’s the foundation for everything that comes after."

This commitment to career development is at the heart of Ringway Jacobs’ approach. Apprentices are exposed to a range of roles, projects, and responsibilities, helping them to grow into well-rounded professionals.

Addressing skill gaps through tailored programmes

One of the key benefits of apprenticeships, Ginevra noted, is the ability to address specific skill gaps within the organisation. By designing tailored rotation schemes and training plans, Ringway Jacobs ensures apprentices gain experience in areas that align with business needs.

"Through our rotation scheme, apprentices move across departments, learning everything from project management to site supervision," she said. "This approach not only fills immediate skill gaps but also prepares apprentices for future challenges."

By equipping apprentices with diverse skills, Ringway Jacobs ensures they have the versatility needed to adapt to an ever-changing industry—an approach that perfectly embodies the skills for life ethos.

Fostering innovation and growth

Apprenticeships at Ringway Jacobs do more than just develop technical skills; they also foster innovation. Apprentices are encouraged to share ideas and take ownership of projects, creating a culture of continuous improvement.

"Our apprentices often challenge us to think differently," Ginevra said. "Their fresh perspectives help us innovate and improve our processes, which benefits everyone."

This dynamic environment not only enhances the organisation but also empowers apprentices to take on leadership roles and drive change within their industries.

Building loyalty and commitment

Another significant impact of apprenticeships is the sense of loyalty they foster. By investing in their apprentices’ success, Ringway Jacobs creates a workplace culture where employees feel valued and motivated.

"When apprentices see the effort we put into their development, they feel a strong sense of commitment to the company," Ginevra explained. "That loyalty translates into better engagement and stronger performance."

Even when apprentices move on to other opportunities, the organisation views their success as a positive outcome. "It’s about creating professionals who can make a difference wherever they go," she said. "That’s the legacy of a great apprenticeship programme."

A long-term strategy for success

For Ringway Jacobs, apprenticeships are not just about meeting immediate business needs - they are a long-term strategy for success. By investing in people, the organisation ensures it has the talent needed to thrive in the future.

"Apprenticeships are about more than filling roles," Ginevra said. "They’re about building a workforce that’s resilient, adaptable, and ready for whatever comes next."

This vision aligns perfectly with the National Apprenticeship Week 2025 theme, skills for life. By preparing individuals for lifelong learning and growth, apprenticeships create a ripple effect that benefits businesses, industries, and communities.

A call to action for employers

Ginevra encourages other employers to embrace apprenticeships as a way to invest in their future:

"Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to develop talent and future-proof your organisation," she said. "The more we invest in people, the more we ensure the success of our industries and our communities."

Empowering futures, building legacies

For Ringway Jacobs, apprenticeships are more than a programme - they’re a commitment to the future. By equipping apprentices with skills for life, the organisation not only supports individual career development but also ensures its long-term success in an evolving industry.

"Apprenticeships aren’t just about the here and now," Ginevra concluded. "They’re about creating a legacy of growth, innovation, and excellence that will last for generations."

Find out more about investing in Apprenticeships with ARU.