A survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has found that many employers are unconvinced of the value of apprenticeships, with two thirds considering on-the-job training inappropriate to the needs of their business.

As reported on hrzone.co.uk, 35% of the 500 employers surveyed planned to offer apprenticeships in the coming year, but many others were uncertain of the benefits.

The CIPD has called for higher levels of training to be provided on apprenticeships to improve their perception with employers. CIPD’s skills policy advisor, Katerina Rudiger, said “Apprenticeship provision needs to improve by increasing the volume and quality of relevant training, and also through employers providing clear progression routes. The real return from apprenticeships is only achieved where the employer is willing to provide career progression beyond the initial apprenticeship.”

DLC & Training Offer Professional Qualifications with Supply Chain Apprenticeships

At DLC Training, we are already taking steps to ensure that the supply chain apprenticeships we provide go beyond the basics to provide the highest possible levels of training, offering extra benefits to employers and apprentices alike while ensuring a clear framework for future development once the apprenticeship is complete.

Our apprenticeships in Purchasing and Supply and Warehousing and Storage are unique, providing apprentices with a professional qualification from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply or the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in addition to the standard NVQ training provided on all apprenticeships.

These industry-recognised qualifications are already familiar to employers, with many already holding CIPS or CILT qualifications themselves. Studying professional qualifications in addition to the standard apprenticeship training helps apprentices to develop a wide range of skills and knowledge relevant to the industry they work in, while offering clear opportunities for future development as apprentices can work their way up through the higher level Institute qualifications.

Since CIPS and CILT qualifications are available from introductory through to postgraduate level, providing a professional qualification can set apprentices on the first step of a professional development route that can continue throughout their careers. We believe that by going the extra mile to offer the highest possible standard of training to apprentices, our apprenticeships can offer exceptional value for money to employers and apprentices alike.