Flexi-Job apprenticeships are the future

As our workplaces continue to shift and business needs change, it’s important to stay flexible and adaptive when it comes to hiring. One solution to evolving business needs is flexi-job apprenticeships. Inspire ATA has been in the forefront of this solution since joining the Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency Register (FJAAR) in January 2022. Learn all about flexi-job apprenticeships and how you can use them to support your unique business needs. 

Understanding Flexi-job apprenticeships 

Flexi-job apprenticeships differ from traditional apprenticeship placements by allowing employers to hire apprentices off payroll and for short term engagements (minimum three months). This has several benefits for employers: 

Reduced paperwork and admin  

When using a Flexi-job agency like Inspire ATA the agency acts as the employer to the apprentice. This means that the apprentice is off payroll at your business with Inspire ATA covering all employment related paperwork such as salary, sick pay, holidays and more. This also means that the apprentice doesn’t count within your headcount helping to free your hiring budget. 

Hire based on your needs 

Being able to hire for a short-term engagement allows your business to solve short term staffing issues such as long-term sicknesses within the team or busy periods. A great example of this in action can be seen in the education sector where schools would need to hire additional support staff in term time but do not need the additional support during school holidays. 

Why are flexi-job apprenticeships gaining popularity? 

The rise of flexi-job apprenticeships is fuelled by several factors that make them appealing to both employers and individuals seeking career development. 

Adapting to industry changes 

Industries are evolving at an unprecedented rate, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer demands. Flexi-job apprenticeships equip the workforce with the agility needed to stay competitive in this dynamic environment. As businesses restructure to keep up with these changes, being able to hire quickly and at times for a short period of time allows businesses to have this flexibility. 

Addressing Skill Gaps 

The skills shortage is a pressing issue that can be seen in many industries. Apprenticeship programmes help to bridge the skills gap by introducing new talent to the workforce that is actively perusing a qualification while working, leading to a more qualified and skilled workforce. 

Meeting the Needs of Modern Workers 

With the rise of tuition fees and the demand of qualifications and experience as an entry requirement for roles, many young people are forgoing the traditional education path of university in favour of practical experience in apprenticeships. Doing an apprenticeship allows workers to learn as they earn, easing the economic burden of gaining a qualification and allowing them to get hands-on experience in the field at the end of their programme.  

Alongside this, anyone can be put on an apprenticeship programme, including existing staff members who want to upskill and gain a qualification. This makes apprenticeships not only appealing for young talent entering the workforce, but also to existing workers. 

Supporting talent  

While an apprentice placed on a flexi-job apprenticeship with your business will be off-payroll taking away some of the burden linked to hiring, you as an employer will still have an important part to play in their journey. 

By hiring an apprentice, you have the opportunity to become a mentor to your apprentice, guiding them through their role and helping to shape the workforce of tomorrow.  

How to hire an apprentice 

Inspire ATA offers an apprenticeship recruitment service for employers who are looking to bring an apprentice into their team. Inspire ATA will advertise your position, screen candidates ahead of sending them to your team, support you throughout the recruitment process, and source a suitable training provider for their qualifications. 

If you are interested in hiring an apprentice with Inspire ATA book a discovery call!