Basingstoke ObserverRESULTS of a new survey by The Open University (OU) and The 5% Club on how employers view the future of apprenticeships show that 87 per cent of those in the South West, plan to maintain or increase their apprenticeship numbers in the next year.
The survey was in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.
Basingstoke’s Martyn Carroll has dyslexia and found school difficult so left aged 16. After a career in the armed forces, he is now working for South Western Railway whilst enrolled in a management apprenticeship with The Open University to progress his career. That includes getting his Level 2 Maths and English, something the OU has helped him with, alongside support for his dyslexia challenges.
Martyn explained: “When I left school at 16, there was no such thing as dyslexia, or it certainly wasn’t thought about. I was considered ‘non-conforming’ and not interested in the subject matter. I joined the Army at 16 and was there for over 23 years, from 1985 to 2009.”
When Martyn left the services, he began working in project management, before taking on a new opportunity at South Western Railway. When he realised he could study for a degree apprenticeship through his workplace, he jumped at the opportunity.
Commenting on the impact of the course, Martyn said: “It’s lighting that fire inside again. When I finish the degree apprenticeship, I can potentially look for bigger and better jobs within South Western Railway.”
Kirstie Thompson, Apprenticeship Compliance Manager, South Western Railway said: “At South Western Railway, we value our apprentices as the future of the Rail Industry. Whether they are young people starting out in their working life or colleagues who want to develop and progress, our apprentices help to create a highly skilled, sustainable and resilient workforce.”
Commenting on the findings of the survey, Viren Patel, Director of the Business Development Unit at The Open University said: “Our survey shows that employers are hugely positive about the diversity, inclusion and social mobility benefits that apprenticeships bring to organisations.
Apprenticeships present a real opportunity for employers to look for hidden talent both inside and outside their organisation and provide the flexibility to unlock future talent.”
