Part-time apprenticeships offer an exciting opportunity for companies to develop talent, boost productivity, and grow their business, all while providing valuable opportunities to individuals seeking flexible learning options.
With only 31.5% of apprenticeship starts being under the age of 19, the vast majority of apprentices are over 19 and often juggling significant adult responsibilities. For these individuals, including parents and those already employed, part-time apprenticeships provide a vital opportunity to upskill or change careers while maintaining a necessary work-life balance.
In this blog, we discuss part-time apprenticeships for employers and employees, examining who they're for, how they benefit both apprentices and businesses, and how you can determine if a part-time apprentice is the right fit for your organisation.
Can you do an apprenticeship part-time?
Yes, you can do an apprenticeship part-time. Part-time apprenticeships are a great option for people who can't commit to full-time hours, such as parents or those with other commitments.
The main difference is that you'll work fewer hours per week, and your training will be adjusted accordingly. You'll still gain the same qualifications and skills as a full-time apprentice, it will just take a bit longer.
What are part-time apprenticeships?
Part-time apprenticeships are a flexible way to gain valuable work experience and a qualification while working fewer than 30 hours a week. Like full-time apprenticeships, they involve on-the-job training and off-the-job study, with at least 20% of your working hours dedicated to learning.
Part-time apprenticeships are often extended in duration to accommodate the reduced hours, allowing you to earn while you learn at a pace that suits your lifestyle.
Who are part-time apprenticeships for?
Part-time apprenticeships are a great option for people who can't commit to full-time hours. This includes people who are:
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Changing careers: Changing career paths but needing to work another job while studying.
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Busy lives: Parents, caregivers, or people with other commitments.
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Working other jobs: Needing to balance an apprenticeship with existing employment.
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People with disabilities or health conditions: Accessible and manageable for individuals who may not be able to work full-time hours.
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People living in rural areas: Where opportunities might be limited, part-time options.
Essentially, part-time apprenticeships offer a valuable opportunity to earn while you learn, regardless of your personal circumstances.
How can a part-time apprenticeship benefit the apprentice?
Being an apprentice part-time offers key advantages for those who can't commit to full-time work. They provide flexibility for parents, caregivers, and those with other jobs or commitments. Part-time hours allow for a gradual entry into a new career, especially beneficial for those returning to work or exploring different fields.
They're also ideal for managing health conditions or disabilities, offering a manageable pace for learning and working. Essentially, part-time apprenticeships make training more accessible by fitting around your life, not the other way around.
How can part-time apprenticeships benefit my business?
Upskill an eager professional
Part-time apprentices often demonstrate exceptional motivation and resilience. They may be juggling multiple commitments or overcoming barriers to access training, yet they're still actively pursuing their professional development.
By offering a part-time apprenticeship, you're investing in someone who's already shown dedication and initiative. Supporting their growth builds a positive company ethos, demonstrating your commitment to inclusivity and creating opportunities for individuals who are determined to succeed. This can boost morale within your team and enhance your company's reputation.
Read more: Why Upskilling Is Important For Your Business
Reduced labour costs
Part-time apprenticeships offer a cost-effective solution, especially if your business doesn't require a full-time employee. You might only need support for specific tasks or during peak hours.
Hiring a part-time apprentice allows you to access skilled help at a competitive rate, avoiding the cost of a full-time salary and associated benefits. This approach to staffing can significantly reduce your labour costs while still meeting your business needs.
You're paying for the support you need, when you need it, and as your business grows, you will have a home-grown, skilled professional ready for full-time employment.
Improve workplace productivity
Delegating tasks to a part-time apprentice can significantly improve your workplace productivity. By taking on routine or less complex responsibilities, the apprentice frees up your existing staff to focus on higher-level, more strategic work.
This allows your skilled employees to maximise their time and expertise on tasks that directly contribute to business growth, such as complex projects, client management, or product development.
Moulding future employees
Part-time apprenticeships provide an excellent opportunity to "grow your own" talent. You can train apprentices to meet your specific requirements and company culture, creating loyal and valuable future employees.
This is particularly true if you're a new business, where you might not yet be able to afford full-time employees but still need support to help your business grow. By investing in an apprentice, you're building a skilled workforce from the ground up, tailored to your exact needs.
Reduced recruitment costs
By hiring apprentices, you can reduce the need for expensive recruitment processes, such as advertising and agency fees. You're essentially building your team from within, saving on costs associated with external hiring.
This is especially beneficial for smaller businesses or startups with limited budgets, as it allows them to invest in talent development rather than recruitment overhead. Plus, you gain the advantage of training someone specifically for your business needs, which can be more effective than hiring someone whose skills may not perfectly align with your requirements.
Reduce business hours
If you operate a part-time business, hiring part-time apprentices makes perfect sense. Their hours can align with your business needs, ensuring you have the right level of support at the right times.
Is a part-time apprentice right for my business?
A part-time apprentice can be a right for your business if the following criteria apply to your business:
Part-time needs
Do you need help with specific tasks or during certain hours, rather than a full-time employee? If your workload fluctuates or you only require support for specific projects, a part-time apprentice could be ideal.
Budget constraints
If you're a small business or startup with a limited budget, a part-time apprenticeship can be a cost-effective way to gain support and develop talent without the financial commitment of a full-time salary.
Growth potential
Are you looking to "grow your own" talent and build a team from within? A part-time apprenticeship allows you to train someone to meet your specific needs and company culture, creating a loyal and valuable future employee.
Mentorship capacity
Do you have the time and resources to provide adequate training and mentorship to an apprentice? Apprenticeships require a commitment to development, so ensure you can dedicate the necessary support.
Business hours
If your business operates part-time, it makes perfect sense to hire a part-time apprentice whose hours align with your operational needs.
Long-term goals
Are you looking for someone to grow with your business? A part-time apprenticeship can be a great way to invest in future talent and build a skilled workforce for long-term growth.
If you answered yes to just some of these questions, a part-time apprentice could be a great fit for your business. It's a flexible and cost-effective way to gain support, develop talent, and contribute to the growth of your company.
Contact Total People for advice on part-time apprenticeships
Total People partners with you to find the ideal apprentice for your business. We take the time to understand your unique needs and identify any skill gaps within your team. Based on this assessment, we provide tailored advice on the most suitable apprenticeship programme and type of apprentice to drive your business growth.
We then handle the apprentice recruitment process, connecting you with qualified candidates. If you're considering a part-time apprentice, contact our team today for personalised guidance.
