National Apprenticeship Week: supporting young talent

New research suggests 86% of those in senior management positions think industries should emulate sport when it comes to nurturing young talent

Within sports it’s a common practice to be scouted out before you’ve finished school, however, if you show an early aptitude for the workplace, the same opportunities aren’t available at earlier ages.

New research commissioned by Arch Apprentices, suggests that 86% of those in senior management would welcome scouting out young people to set them up for the career they are already passionate about through relevant training and apprenticeships.

57% of those surveyed suggested the potential of supporting skilled young people within their industry would help nurture a new, bigger wave of talent that would have industry-wide benefits.

This also provides an opportunity for young people to reach their professional peak earlier than ever before. The research showed that in 2018 the average board member is just 44 years old, falling to just 37 in advertising and creative industries.

In fact, come of the UK’s most dynamic digital businesses from Deliveroo to Brewdog boast leaders under the age of 40.

Ben Rowland, Co-Founder of Arch Apprentices, said: “The structured nature of apprenticeships often appeals to young people, graduate programmes aren’t necessarily programmes – they may rotate graduates around different departments, but that’s not a way to on-board someone into a specific role. With apprenticeships, there’s a clear plan with a beginning, middle and end.”

Furthermore, 36% say they feel they perhaps should have started their career earlier to have afforded themselves a better opportunity and be further along their chosen path. Apprenticeships, 88% agree, are a good way for businesses to source and train skilled individuals.