What Employers say...
Find out what employers are saying about Apprenticeships.
Norman Pickavance, Morrisons Group HR Director
“Morrisons is fully behind the Government’s National Apprenticeship Scheme. Every Morrisons employee is given the opportunity of developing their career so they can go from the shop floor to the top floor, and the National Apprenticeship Scheme contributes to achieving this vision.
“A critical element of the quality of service we offer to our customers is the investment we make in the training and development of our people. We have always championed apprenticeships to further traditional craft skills and are pleased that so many colleagues are enthusiastically signing up through Morrisons Fresh Food Academy, for our apprenticeship schemes."
Ian Watmore, CEO of the Football Association
“I have seen first-hand how Apprenticeships enable young people to develop new skills and realise their potential. For businesses in an ever wider range of sectors, they are a fantastic way of creating a skilled, motivated and loyal workforce. There is a long tradition of apprenticeships in the game of football. I want to bring more into the Football Association and am currently recruiting one to work in my team.”
Brian Wisdom, chief executive of People 1st
“The hospitality (travel and tourism) sectors has recently gone through turbulent times but is now on track to prepare for recovery and for the increased opportunities brought by the 2012 London Olympic Games and other major sporting events. Total employment in the sector is predicted to grow by 10% by 2017 and apprenticeships will be critical to this growth."
"Apprentices are the lifeblood of the hospitality (travel and tourism) sector which is continually seeking new and talented people who, with the right aptitude and skills, can quickly rise through the ranks whichever area they choose to specialise in."
"A quarter of people under 25 work in this industry and increasingly sector businesses are capitalising on the benefits that shaping and developing their own people from the start brings to their company. This is paying dividends with some businesses able to quantify a specific return on investment which in some cases is just over a year.”
Euan Sutherland, CEO of B&Q
"By investing in qualifications we’re helping ensure B&Q has friendly expert staff of all ages. We are seeing encouraging signs that customers are shopping with more confidence, knowing that they are being given sound advice by staff."
"If you walk into B&Q and meet a friendly person with a badge saying they've got one of our City & Guilds qualifications, you're going to know you're getting expert advice. City & Guilds is a powerful brand and employees can't achieve the qualifications unless they meet the full criteria as approved by City & Guilds."
Richard Lambert, CBI Director-General
“Employers really value the benefits that an apprenticeship programme can bring. The training apprentices undertake is grounded in the day to day running of the business – developing relevant skills that add to the ‘bottom-line’. While for the apprentice, it is an opportunity to gain the technical abilities and transferable skills needed for a great start in their future career”.
David Frost Director General of the British Chamber of Commerce
"The recession has taught us two key things: that businesses' long-term commitment to investment in their workforce really pays off, and that young people must be effectively brought into employment. Apprenticeship programmes offer both of these factors. We would strongly advise our members, and indeed all businesses, to consider apprenticeships as part of their recruitment strategy."
Last Updated: 11/02/2010