To mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week, we thought we’d share our own experience taking on apprentices and demonstrate the impact they’ve had on us!

Taking place from the 7th to the 13th of February this year, the theme of National Apprenticeship week 2022 is ‘Build the Future’, which aims to highlight how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.

Having taken on two apprentices ourselves, we’ve experienced first-hand the positive impact they can have not only on the business, but on the individuals themselves. Both apprentices have continued to grow and develop in their roles and are now fully qualified, valuable members of the team, who continue to progress in their own specialisms, developing on their own interests that were identified during their time as apprentices. Jessie for example, has since gone on to study a Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting and is now a full time member of our finance team! They have both come to play an integral part in the structure and success of Blueberry and we are very grateful for all their hard work and dedication.

Following our initial involvement in the apprenticeship scheme, we’ve since developed our own internal training scheme called ‘Blueberry Academy’, which teaches key business, management and life skills. Modules within the scheme have been largely shaped through our own learnings when taking on apprentices, which has helped us develop a programme which encompasses both mandatory frameworks as well as additional guidance and support that our apprentices have helped advise on. This includes modules in account management and social media, as well as training within the sales environment. We believe that continuous development such as this drives Blueberry forward and leaves our employees with lasting skills they can utilise now and in the future.

“Apprenticeships not only offer people from all backgrounds a ladder of opportunity, but with the right training and support, provide a direct route to a great career.”

– Faresh Maisuria @ Blueberry Marketing Solutions

In addition to our own experiences, we also proactively work in promoting apprenticeships schemes to businesses across both the public and private sector. We work with several universities, councils, LEP’s and training providers to help increase awareness of apprenticeship schemes and demonstrate to businesses how apprenticeships can bring new avenues to growth.

Based on this and our own experiences, we’d recommend apprenticeships to businesses in all sectors and thoroughly encourage businesses looking to take on new staff to consider going down the apprenticeship route.