Northamptonshire based Simon Acres Group Limited, the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom (KBB) industry’s leading recruitment agency and an online training and service provider, hosted a successful roundtable event, in partnership with apprenticeship training provider Workpays, to examine the barriers to hiring apprentices. Following the event, the company is sharing the main obstacles that hinder businesses from hiring apprentices, in an effort to empower and inspire the industry to employ more apprentices.

The roundtable was held at the Stanwick Hotel in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. Industry professionals gathered for an insightful discussion on the barriers that businesses face when hiring apprentices. A particular focus of the event was on the challenges within both the KBB and construction industries. The event also aimed to reveal solutions and strategies that can help to overcome these barriers.

The diverse and knowledgeable panel included contributions from a variety of experts, including participants from leading apprenticeship bodies, training providers and KBB retailers. The panel was also joined by guest speaker Stephen Johnson, Managing Director at Quooker UK and Ireland, who shared valuable insights based on his experience of hiring young people and promoting the training and development of his colleagues at Quooker.

The main barriers to hiring apprentices identified during the roundtable event are:

1. A lack of information: Many businesses are unaware of the appropriate channels to explore when it comes to hiring apprentices, including being unaccustomed with apprenticeship training providers
2. Unfamiliarity with recognised and approved apprenticeship standards within the industry
3. Uncertainty around costs: The perceived financial burden of hiring apprentices is a concern for many businesses, as is a lack of awareness of the grants that are available and of some uncertainty surrounding apprenticeship wages
4. A lack of training awareness: On-the-job training requirements associated with apprenticeships are often unclear to businesses, including the amount of time required to be allocated to training apprentices
5. Confusing terminology and jargon: Many businesses experience confusion due to the vast amount of apprenticeship bodies, abbreviations and unclear language that exists

Simon Acres Group, which has new offices in Higham Ferrers, is committed to promoting apprenticeships within both the KBB and construction industries, while breaking down barriers and increasing knowledge. The company can provide support and advice to businesses that are considering hiring an apprentice, including recommending training providers and offering information on funding, training, apprenticeship wages and the grants that are available to employers. The group also aims to educate young people, in Northamptonshire, about the career options that are available to them within the KBB and merchant industries by visiting local schools. Additionally, Simon Acres Group plans to meet with Peter Bone, Member of Parliament for Wellingborough, in the coming weeks to discuss the barriers to hiring apprentices that were identified during the roundtable event in more detail, along with the importance of training and promoting young talent.

Simon Acres, Managing Director, Simon Acres Group Limited said: “Apprenticeships are a vital aspect to creating an experienced, knowledgeable and skilled KBB workforce. Hosting a lively and insightful roundtable on this important topic provided the opportunity to identify the challenges that prevent businesses from hiring apprentices, in addition to highlighting the ways in which these barriers can be overcome.

“With the support of Workpays, we hope to establish a collaborative approach to bring more apprentices into our sector. We’re encouraging other businesses to get involved, and to work collaboratively with us to address the challenges surrounding hiring apprentices and to showcase the many benefits that apprenticeships offer, while driving positive change and growth in our industry.”

For more information on Simon Acres Group Limited, please call the team on 0203 701 6660, email info@simonacres.co.uk or visit the website: https://simonacres.co.uk/

Ends

Image captions:

1. Simon Acres, Managing Director, Simon Acres Group Limited
2. Simon Acres Group Limited hosted a successful roundtable event to examine the barriers to hiring apprentices

About Simon Acres Group Limited:

Simon Acres Group strives to make a positive impact by nurturing talent and providing a one-stop solution of comprehensive services for businesses. Successfully supporting over 1,000 companies to fill KBB specific vacancies across the UK, Simon Acres Group is also growing its construction and building recruitment branch. Beyond this, the group provides accredited training courses to help businesses thrive, as well as media production, web development and other services to support KBB businesses. Using its experience, knowledge and the diversity of its teams’ skills, Simon Acres Group Limited can add value in recruitment, training and digital media to KBB or Merchant companies, offering a range of solutions that support business growth.

For further press information and images please contact:
Steph at jmm PR

Tel: 01536 414555

Email: steph@jmmpr.co.uk    

10^th August 2023

About jmm PR:
jmm PR is an award-winning, creative PR agency that is highly experienced in offering a range of interiors PR services to showcase your business.

With decades of experience and proven success in raising the profiles and awareness of brands and businesses, jmm PR has extensive public relations and commercial knowledge, which can effectively contribute to the growth of your business. In addition, services include writing press releases, proof reading and copywriting, plus campaign and event support, social media and influencer planning and marketing.

jmm PR offers solutions for businesses of all sizes, including PR packages designed to support SMEs in addition to annual press office management to complement marketing plans of larger organisations.

For more information, please visit the website www.jmmpr.co.uk or contact the team on 01536 414555 or contact@jmmpr.co.uk