According to a report by The Adecco Group, a quarter of UK firms have never considered recruiting an apprentice, despite the fact that they can be a highly valuable asset to any organisation.

It’s no secret that many industries are facing a skills shortage. In fact, in a recent survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), 69% of UK businesses said they are concerned that there won’t be enough suitably qualified people to fill their workforce in the future.

Addressing this issue with a well-planned apprenticeship programme is an ideal option for businesses, as it allows them to train employees to fit their specific requirements, thus making them invaluable to the growth of the company.

One business that is at the forefront of this drive is engineering solutions firm adi Group, which last year launched the UK’s first pre-apprenticeship scheme for 14-16 year olds.

Through a structured and accredited course, the pre-apprentices learn the practical, hands-on skills needed to carve a career in either mechanical or electrical engineering. These include welding, basic wiring, health and safety and reading technical drawings. By introducing young people to the world of engineering at an early age, the Group hopes it will encourage them to consider it as a viable career option.

Alan Lusty, CEO of adi Group, commented: “Figures from The National Apprenticeship Service show 88% of apprentice employers believe apprentices lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce, and 81% also said that they make their businesses more productive.

“Not only have we found that our pre-apprentices tend to be eager to learn, flexible and bring fresh ideas to the table, they also help our long-term staff. Working with pre-apprentices brings a fresh perspective to our business and encourages our existing teams to re-consider the status quo. It also helps to foster a sense of pride within the business, knowing that by sharing their passion our staff are inspiring young people who perhaps aren’t stimulated by classroom learning alone.

“Ultimately businesses have the opportunity to breed a strong sense of company loyalty whilst simultaneously ensuring the right standards are being taught and instilled from an early age.

“adi Group recognises the growing need for this approach across all industries throughout the UK. As such, the pre-apprenticeship model is completely available, free of charge, for any employer or school that wishes to replicate an existing scheme which has proven to work, and work well. Implementation is straightforward and any sector, whether in industry or professional services, can benefit – thus encouraging younger generations to try something new and engage in the workplace whilst still at school.”

For more information please visit http://adiltd.co.uk/careers/.