Like Lord Sugar many local business owners are discovering the benefits of hiring an apprentice. At this breakfast we hear from three member businesses who have taken on apprentices about how it has affected their business.
Pete Jenkins is Director of e-Advantage Solutions Ltd and Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Brighton. Pete took on his first Apprentice two years ago and says "I was too busy to take on new business and knew I needed staff. Taking on my Apprentice enabled me to increase sales in that first year by 72%. I have since taken on 2 interns from the University too."
Al Tredinnick is CEO and Sales Director for Digicave a high tech digital agency in Brighton. "Because our work is so complicated and our clients so demanding we didn't think hiring a PA through the apprenticeship scheme would work. As soon as we saw the calibre of the candidates we realised that it would be fine. We hired our apprentice for a full time position and can't imagine the company without her now."
Carol Lewis is one of the directors who set up Bainbridge Lewis Accountants 3 years ago. "It was really scary taking on our first employee but our apprentice has been a massive asset to the business and we are planning to take on another apprentice in the Summer."
They discuss what prompted them to take the plunge; how they've managed the process and what they've learnt, about what they looked for in their first recruit and what finally made them feel confident enough to say 'You're hired!'.
