Myth-buster #4: Apprenticeships help to boost staff retention
Posted on: 1st May 2025
Apprenticeships 
The average person in the UK will remain in their present job role for between three to four years, making staff retention a challenge for employers.
Factors including a positive work-life balance, a strong working environment and fair pay are all valued by employees regarding loyalty to their workplace.
But one of the most overlooked factors which can contribute to positive staff retention is education. After all, apprenticeships are proven to increase the time a person will spend with an organisation.
69% of employers say that employing apprentices improved staff retention!
In our fourth myth-busting article, we consider why apprenticeships are so valued by employees and how they help businesses to prioritise staff development, retention and satisfaction.
Power of vocational training
According to the Office for National Statistics, 40 per cent of companies with 10 or more staff are struggling to recruit.
It means retaining exceptional talent and prioritising the workplace satisfaction of your existing team has never been more important, and apprenticeships are proven to support this.
- 65% of apprentices stay working for the company that trained them when they complete their apprenticeship.
- 86% of apprentices were satisfied with their apprenticeship.
- 97% of apprentices reported at least one positive impact on their job or career prospects.
Tips from our experts
Although investing in apprenticeships is unlikely to solve staff retention issues overnight, it does demonstrate a commitment to supporting development and growth.
The Institute of Student Employers found last year that 51 per cent of graduates and apprentices were leaving their roles for better pay – up from 40 per cent in 2023 and 2022.
Here are a few simple pointers to help keep your apprentices engaged and satisfied in the workplace.
- Provide support and guidance
If you’re hiring a new apprentice, it is a significant commitment. They will expect a level of support and guidance to help them build key skills, working practices and confidence.
Using a quality training provider like Ignite Training to take on this responsibility is essential.
- Direction and purpose
Map out a clear progression pathway for your apprentice, and make it part of the onboarding process.
- Reward good work
This should be a given, but rewarding good work is key in retaining top talent.
- Competitive pay
The current apprenticeship wage for those aged 16-18 or 19+ in their first year is £7.55 per hour. If it’s within your budget and you see genuine potential in one of your staff, reflect that in their salary.
“Genuinely rewarding”
Susan Hill is a Progression Coach at Oxfordshire Youth, a charity which operates to ensure every young person has the skills, support and connections required to thrive.
She started a Level 5 Operations and Management apprenticeship with Ignite in her 50s and having the opportunity to develop personally and professionally has been rewarding.
“Being in full-time employment for more than 30 years, you naturally build skills relevant to your role,” said Susan. “But that’s not to say you can’t add to your skillsets.
“I knew I could manage, and I knew I could lead a team. But there were knowledge gaps – gaps which could be addressed by studying an apprenticeship.
“For Oxfordshire Youth to see this and invest in my potential as an employee is not something which goes amiss and having the opportunity to develop myself personally and professionally is genuinely rewarding.”
You can read Susan’s full story by clicking here.
Myth-buster sequel
Have you missed any of our previous apprenticeship myth-buster articles?
If so, you can read them in full below:
Myth-buster #1: Apprenticeships are open to ALL staff, new and existing!
Myth-buster #2: Training is funded and comes at no cost to the employer!
Myth-buster #3: Average age of an apprentice revealed!
And if investing in the power of apprenticeships is something your organisation is interested in, feel free to drop our friendly team a call today for further information.
