APPRENTICESHIPS ENCOURAGE EMPLOYEE LOYALTY BUT ALSO HELP COMPANIES WIN NEW BUSINESS

A survey of 555 employers by Redshift Research found 56 per cent of those surveyed who offer apprenticeships report that apprentices stay longer than other recruits.

In addition, one third of those who offer apprenticeships say apprentices are more committed to the business than other employees.

In addition, 76 per cent, of apprentice employers polled say they actively promote their apprenticeship credentials when pitching for new business or talking about their company, with 40 per cent including it as a key element of their pitch.

A third of all the employers questioned said they would be more likely to choose a supplier partner if they offered apprenticeships. And 35 per cent of apprentice employers say they actively advocate apprentice recruitment through their supply chain.

Last week, Prime Minister David Cameron said a Conservative government would use fines imposed on Deutsche Bank for its involvement in rigging interest rates to fund 50,000 apprenticeships.

It comes on top of three million apprenticeships the party has pledged over the next Parliament if re-elected. However, Labour said the number of young people starting apprenticeships had fallen in recent years..