Stuart Parks is the Head of Membership and Marketing at CIEEM. Stuart tells us about his employer apprenticeship story and what it’s like for his company to take on a Level 4 Marketing Executive apprentice.
Can you tell us a little bit about your company?
CIEEM is a professional body for people working as, or aspiring to become, ecologists and environmental managers. Like many professional bodies we work primarily as a membership organisation, but also offer training and professional development opportunities, guidance and information.
What were your reasons for taking on an apprentice?
We wanted to expand our marketing team to increase our capacity and since the post we created was not at a senior level we decided to provide a young person with an opportunity to both bring something to the organisation and learn on the job.
The apprenticeship landscape can be quite confusing, particularly for those employers perhaps considering taking on an apprentice for the first time.
How easy did you find it to start an apprentice on programme with us?
This was our first venture into the world of apprenticeships and yes, it took a while to get to grips with the process. Once we had an idea of the apprenticeship we wanted to offer and spoke to some providers, the team at OXPE clarified exactly what we needed to do and made the process much simpler. There is a lot of useful guidance online, but my advice would be to chat with a few providers first and decide which you think you’ll be able to work well with.
Can you see progression in your apprentice’s workplace skills due to the programme?
Absolutely, so far our apprentice has gained a considerable amount of knowledge which they have been able to put to good use in the work environment. Their confidence has clearly grown and they are already a valued member of the team.
How satisfied are you with the skills and knowledge of your OXPE trainer?
The trainer’s skills and knowledge seem first rate from my perspective. I’ve had regular catch-ups with them, which helps, and the feedback from our apprentice has been very positive. The proof of course is in how much they’ve learned and how well they’ve already put that into practice.
Do you feel that OXPE is a flexible and responsive organisation that supports both apprentices and employers?
I’ve enjoyed working with OXPE so far. I was impressed and encouraged by their very thorough preparation and safe-guarding processes to make sure that the apprentice had a positive experience and was well supported at every stage. Regular check-ins with OXPE staff to monitor and feedback on progress have also been invaluable.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking on an apprentice?
I would encourage any employer to give this option serious consideration. Think about what you need from an apprentice, be prepared to pay them what the role is worth, find a good and supportive provider and give someone an opportunity. You’ll see benefits if you approach it with the right mindset and intention, and you’ll feel good about doing it too!
Oxford Professional Education is a main provider of apprenticeships. We help a range of organisations find suitable apprentices and provide training for the qualifications. If you are interested in taking on an apprentice, get in touch with our team to find out how we can help.