Why SMEs should champion apprenticeships

As an SME that has recently employed two apprentices, we strongly believe in hiring those who wish to start their careers while studying. Over the years, we have had many successful apprentices who have stayed with us long after qualifying in their roles. Some of the benefits we have seen from hiring apprentices include the development of new talent, the ability to fill skill gaps within the business, and the creation of bespoke learning plans. This approach enables us to shape what our apprentices learn to meet the specific skills needed in our workplace.

Croft Filters Ltd was founded in 1986 by two brothers. The company began by trading mesh, which soon led to an expansion into filter fabrication. Today, we manufacture bespoke filters for companies around the world, supplying a variety of fields, including pharmaceuticals, engineering, and power generation.

Our two latest apprentices are enrolled in very different courses. One is studying Metal Fabrication at Wigan & Leigh, and the other Marketing & Administration at Warrington Vale College. Although their skills differ, both apprentices have structured learning paths and benefit from a hands-on training approach, allowing them to learn directly through practical experience.

At Croft, we strongly believe that classroom education within apprenticeships has drastically improved. The structure and topics taught are now well thought out to keep up with industry needs, which is essential for success—something that was previously lacking.

When speaking to Rosa, who is currently enrolled in her Marketing & Administration apprenticeship at Croft, she shared her insights as someone with experience in both university and apprenticeship sectors.

She states, “By doing an apprenticeship, you gain valuable workplace experience that you can’t get in a university setting.” She went on to say, “Another key benefit is that by the end of the course, you have a set of developed skills that are directly relevant to the role, along with highly specialised knowledge. Additionally, it’s now possible to enroll in an apprenticeship after obtaining a degree and if you’re over the age of 25. This wasn’t possible until recently, making apprenticeships accessible to anyone over the age of 16 looking to start a new career.”

Mia, our most recent apprentice in Metal Fabrication, added that although she has only been with us for a short time and has yet to start her one-day-a-week release at college, she has already learned a great deal from working with colleagues who have been in the industry for many years—an experience that wouldn’t have been possible if she had chosen to study a full-time college course.

She added, “Being able to see products come to life from concept to reality and witnessing the process has been a learning experience that has been both enjoyable and beneficial. Additionally, qualifying in my chosen career path debt-free was a significant advantage.” This is an aspect many apprentices find appealing.

While going to university has traditionally been the top choice for young people aiming to achieve their desired careers, apprenticeships are growing in popularity and demand among firms. With no debt from student loans and the cost of living, apprenticeships are increasingly becoming an attractive option for many young people.

As a company, we look forward to welcoming more apprentices in the future by providing valuable workplace experience and tailored learning opportunities. We actively encourage other companies to embrace apprenticeships as a powerful device for developing talent, driving innovation, and shaping the future of their industries. Together, we can construct a skilled workforce and support the next generation of professionals.

For more information on Why SMEs should champion apprenticeships talk to Croft Filters Ltd