You might be forgiven for thinking you have turned to the gardening page, but no this is ‘Money Matters’ and the author hasn’t gone mad! I’m referring to the increasing number of apprenticeships that are being taken on in small businesses.

I’m speaking from first-hand experience. We took on Peter as an apprentice fifteen months ago and he has proved to be a first class signing. When the time is right, we will probably repeat the exercise all over again. So why aren’t all small firms taking on a school leaver and growing their own staff for the future? Judging by the difficulties we have had recently in recruiting a qualified member of staff, growing your own is definitely the way forward.

The availability of candidates has increased in recent years

The growth in apprenticeships in recent years has coincided with an increase in university tuition fees. I’m not saying that is the sole reason, but student debt has to be a big factor in the decision making for those reaching their GCSE and A-level years. So the availability of candidates increases.

The Government has backed up its promotion of apprenticeships with legal protection for the term ‘apprentice’ and set out very clear and stringent rules for what an employer has to deliver if he/she is to get the financial benefits on offer in terms of grant assistance. They have also introduced an apprentice levy on larger firms to help pay for the cost of expanding the scheme.

1 in 4 small firms has an apprentice

Currently only around 1 in 4 small firms has taken up the opportunity to grow their own and signed on an apprentice. Those who haven’t quote cost and time as the biggest restrictions. I think this is short-sighted and doesn’t say too much for the small business owner community.

It’s well worth a second look. Acorns to oak trees; seeds to beautiful flowers, as the gardeners who have stuck with this page will happily tell you.

Have a great Christmas – I’ll be back in the New Year.