As more businesses strive to assert their place in the new economic order, apprenticeships should be at the forefront of this. As well as increasing creativity and productivity in the short term, apprenticeships are very much the means by which modern businesses can achieve long-term stability, founded upon a solid base of skills.

"With over 190 different apprenticeships now on offer, apprentices are no longer restricted to the traditional trades of carpentry, building and plumbing."

Unlike the apprenticeships of yesteryear, the modern-day equivalent is very much in tune with the needs of contemporary business; a fact I can attest to through my work at EAL. Apprenticeship programmes offer substantial benefits to both the employer and employee. With a chance to earn whilst they learn, apprentices are given the opportunity to see the theoretical elements of their study put in to practice on the shop floor whilst being overseen by an experienced practitioner in their chosen field. The academic rigour of the qualifications now available also ensures that people achieve the sound theoretical knowledge on which to underpin their practical experiences.

With over 190 different apprenticeships now on offer, apprentices are no longer restricted to the traditional trades of carpentry, building and plumbing; they can now undertake programmes in fields including management, business administration, accountancy and marketing.

For employers, the recruitment of an apprentice should be seen as a positive and cost-effective step in the right direction for their organisation. Recent figures from the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) show that 80% of employers noticed an improvement in productivity when employing apprentices, with a further 88% saying that having apprentices in the workplace leads to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

Statistics like these provide strong evidence of the tangible benefits that apprentices bring to any business and its bottom line. In addition to impacting on the bottom line, apprenticeship programmes are also an effective way for businesses to nurture, and ultimately retain their skilled and talented employees. Many apprentices choose to stay with a company for many years after completion of their programme. The clear advantages of employing an apprentice beg the question as to why some employers still seem very reluctant to recruit them.

It would seem that certain employers erroneously look on apprenticeships as a second-rate alternative compared to other methods of training. Having been in the business of developing apprenticeship qualifications for some time now, I would urge these employers to reassess their view. Apprenticeships are academically rigorous and give individuals a well-rounded set of skills and the experience to help them enter full-time employment almost seamlessly.

 The kind of 'hit the ground running' ethos which apprenticeship programmes foster is something which all businesses, large and small, desperately need in challenging times. With so much information and financial help now available, it seems almost unfathomable that some business leaders still don't recognise the potential an apprenticeship programme offers their own organisation.

In summary, I would urge all businesses to consider recruiting an apprentice, not out of benevolence, but for the business benefits they will gain.

Ann Watson is managing director of EMTA Awards Ltd (EAL), the leading awarding body for engineering vocational qualifications.