100 apprenticeships in 100 days: South Devon College calls on businesses to act now

South Devon College has issued an urgent call to employers across South Devon and Torbay as more than 200 young people are currently waiting to start an apprenticeship, but not enough local businesses are stepping forward to take them on.

The Torbay based College says the region is facing a growing disconnect between the number of young people keen to work and the number of employers willing to hire them. It’s believed a combination of economic uncertainty, misinformation and rising business costs is contributing to the issue.

Laurence Frewin, Principal and CEO of South Devon College, said, “We have hundreds of young people who want to start work today. What we do not have are enough employers coming forward offering these young people an apprenticeship. Too many businesses are basing decisions on myths, particularly about the cost of hiring an apprentice, and it is holding young people back.”

Apprenticeships are a very popular alternative to traditional learning routes giving young people the opportunity to earn as they learn, gain invaluable skills and work experience.

South Devon College has seen a surge in interest for apprenticeships, with more than 200 applicants this year, but they warn if employers do not step forward, many of these young people will either leave the area or miss out on vital early career opportunities.

To try and stop young people moving away, and to help maintain a skilled future ready workforce, South Devon College has launched an ambitious campaign: 100 Apprenticeships in 100 Days with the aim to secure 100 apprenticeship commitments from employers across the region.

Local MP Steve Darling is backing the college’s campaign by writing to 400 local businesses encouraging them to get involved.

One of the biggest obstacles for employers, the College says, is confusion about costs. Many mistakenly believe hiring an apprentice is expensive. In fact, most employers pay no National Insurance for apprentices aged under 25, and financial incentives of up to £1,000 are available, with further incentives for foundation apprenticeships.

Local businesses are already working with the College to highlight the benefits of hiring an apprentice.

Richard Poustie, Operations Manager at the Paignton based engineering SME, Bay Photonics, said, “Our apprentices bring fresh perspectives and quickly become productive members of the team. Apprenticeships allow us to train people in our exact processes, which is invaluable.”

Matt Prowse, Senior Recruiter and Trainer at Whistl said, “The positive impact of apprenticeships resonates across every area of our business at Whistl. Apprenticeships increase staff engagement by broadening learning and involvement across multiple teams, often linking in with apprentices from outside of Whistl. They bring us fresh thinking, new perspectives, and the latest professional updates from certified tutors. 

Suzy Hubbard, Apprenticeship Lead at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust says apprenticeships benefit businesses enormously.

“Apprentice employees are inspired by learning and very enthusiastic about their apprenticeship training and education. These factors increase productivity and skills within the workforce, which supports a long-term sustainable business plan. Employers also have a social responsibility to support more apprenticeships within their region, which boosts the local economy as well as promoting social mobility.   

“By supporting apprenticeships within an organisation, retention amongst employees increases significantly. Apprentices are loyal employees, often remaining with an employer long-term. Nurturing this talent pipeline of employees is seen as a positive characteristic of any employer, often enhancing the organisation's reputation.”

The College is urging any employer considering hiring an apprentice, or unsure about the financial side, to contact its apprenticeship team for clear guidance.  

Employers interested in apprenticeships can contact employers@southdevon.ac.uk or visit 100 Apprenticeships in 100 Days - South Devon College