Hiring an apprentice can bring fresh energy, ideas and long-term value to your organisation. As a global technology leader, Siemens PLC has embraced apprenticeships as part of their early careers strategy. In this blog, Colin Kendall, Early Careers Lead at Siemens plc, shares the company’s experience hiring an apprentice in both procurement and project management through Oxford Professional Education.
Can you tell us a little bit about your company?
Siemens is a global technology / engineering company with over 300,000 employees worldwide. Our solutions can be found in all aspects of life but are prevalent in transport, energy, healthcare, buildings etc. focusing on electrification, automation and digitisation. Our two apprentices work in the Smart Infrastructure business: ‘Connecting energy systems, buildings and industries. We work together with customers and partners to create an ecosystem that intuitively responds to the needs of people, making better use of resources. Our solutions help customers to thrive, communities to progress and support sustainable development.
What were your reasons for hiring an apprentice?
We have a well established Early Careers programme with annual intakes across a wide range of disciplines. The business fully appreciates the value of nurturing young talent to encourage fresh ideas and diverse thinking.
How easy did you find it to start an apprentice on a programme with us?
As a business, we’re very lucky to have individuals whose roles focus solely on Early Careers so the expertise already exists within the organisation. Because of this, starting apprentices with Oxford Professional Education is very easy.
Can you see progression in your apprentice’s workplace skills due to the programme?
Yes, definitely. It’s easy to see previous learning being put into practise in the workplace.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking on an apprentice?
Take on an apprentice! Not only does it introduce new ideas and fresh thinking into a business, I’ve seen it re-energise entire departments. Where teams comprise of established and/or long serving members of staff, the introduction of an apprentice can encourage them to think and act differently, be energised by passing on their own knowledge and skills or simply feel the need to ‘up their game’.
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.