‘The apprenticeship education programme is completely relevant to day-to-day activities, and we see incredible improvements month on month in the apprentice’s ability and their eagerness to bring new ideas to our business.’ Paul Lee, Sales Director with Kevin Condon Financial Brokers, says that drive, hard work and willingness to learn are among the top advantages for any business when taking on an apprentice as part of the QFA apprenticeship programme.
For how long have you been involved in the apprenticeship programme?
We at Kevin Condon Financial Brokers, have been involved in the apprenticeship programme for over three years now – and to date we’ve been really impressed with the impact it and the apprentices have had on our business.
What initially attracted you to the programme?
We were finding it hard to find the right staff for our business and there seemed to be a real lack of recruitment opportunities in the market. We were looking to bring new candidates into the business, employees who would be committed to staying in the industry and to learning the ropes from the very beginning, but we were finding it difficult. We had heard about the advantages of the programme from other insurance employers, and it really came along at the right time for our business.
In your opinion, how relevant is the education programme (both professional and business modules) to day-to-day activities in the business?
It’s completely relevant to the day-to-day activities and we see incredible improvements month on month in the apprentice’s ability and their eagerness to bring new ideas to our business. It’s hugely advantageous that the apprentices are learning the theory behind their day-to-day work, it not only adds context but also creates a much deeper understanding.
What are the three main advantages your apprentices have brought to your business?
The apprentices have had an incredible impact on our business – the three main advantages could be summarised as follows:
- They have brought new ideas and a new energy to our business.
- They are skilled at social media and have managed to increase our social presence and in turn this has brought us new business.
- Their drive, hard work and willingness to learn has had a great impact on the volume of work we can take on and this in turn has also inspired other staff members to upskill.
What do you think are the essential skills required of any new apprentice?
I believe any new apprentice needs to have a mixture of skills – but most important is that they need to show dedication – working and studying is not easy and so I would say complete commitment is required. Also, a good work ethic is essential – nobody expects the apprentices to know everything but once they work hard and have an openness to learning they will go far. Lastly, I also believe listening skills to be important – they need to carefully take on board instructions and ask questions if they don’t know something.
What do you feel is essential for any employer looking to take one on?
The employer must look at the bigger picture as opposed to the here and now – investing in the programme takes time but the employer must think about the long-term impact on their business and what the apprentice will bring to the table. The programme is an investment in the future of any business.
Has the Government support (Incentivisation scheme / Employer Grant) been an attractive incentive for you, and do you think this kind of support for employers is important?
Yes – this support has been pivotal in helping us to take on more apprentices. In addition, the costs associated with training are also taken from us, and this allows us to focus on our business plan for the apprentice.
How important do you feel the role of Supervisor / Mentor is to the apprentice?
This is vital as the apprentice will need guidance and at times also require motivation. The roles of supervisor and mentor are extremely important, and I believe are instrumental to the success of the apprentice within the business. A lot of trust is required on behalf of both parties, but I’ve seen that when it works well it can have a profoundly positive effect on the apprentice’s progression.