Apprenticeships have a dramatic impact on recruitment and retention, as well as overall business performance, according to research by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

The research, released to mark the start of Apprenticeship Week 2008, found that 80% of respondents believe their apprenticeship programme improves staff retention and reduces staff turnover. It found that 88% believe apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

The research reveals that apprenticeship programmes help them fill vacancies more quickly and easily, while 70% believe apprenticeships provide an organisation with a better calibre of candidates. More than three-quarters of respondents expect apprenticeships to play a bigger part in their recruitment policy in the future.

The survey highlights that apprenticeships are making real progress in addressing skills shortages, with two-thirds of respondents claiming they would struggle to find trained staff with the skills they need without their Apprenticeship programmes. In addition, 83% of employers rely on Apprenticeships to provide the skilled workers they need for the future.

* Remember to tell us what you think about this or any of our articles!