What's In It For me?

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When making the decision to get involved with apprenticeship training many employers ask,  “What’s in it for me?” or “How do I know the apprentice is not going to leave after I train them and open their own business and become my competition?” or even “How would I have time for that? I’m already too busy.” These are all valid concerns for any business owner. Below you will find answers to these questions and more in a list of 8 reasons why employers should hire apprentices according to the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF).

Skills shortages and the retirement of experienced tradespeople create an urgent need to transfer knowledge from one generation to the next. Apprenticeship provides an opportunity to grow the future workforce, sustain the supply of highly skilled workers and pass along critical know-how.

Apprenticeship is a proven method of developing future workers, managers and mentors. As they develop their skills, apprentices become the core workforce. By getting to know your customers, equipment and procedures, apprentices are positioned to be future leaders and managers.

Employers who hire apprentices say a commitment to employee learning and career progression makes them an "employer of choice", facilitating recruitment and retention at their companies. Investing in apprentices can ensure you have loyal employees who are committed to the organization.

Employers want highly skilled workers committed to the company's success. Who better than a journeyperson trained right in the company? In fact, employers cite "a better fit with the organization" as the most significant benefit of employing a journeyperson they trained as an apprentice.

As apprentices progress in their programs, they make an increasing contribution to their workplaces, with the benefits outpacing investment in most trades by the end of the second year. A majority of employers consider a homegrown journeyperson up to a thrid more productive than an external hire