Future-proof your workforce with digital apprenticeships

58% of employees say that not having digital skills has affected them negatively in the workplace. Moreover, 92% of businesses believe that having a basic level of digital skills is important for business growth .While businesses are keen to benefit from digital growth, they are not actively investing in employee upskilling and reskilling. Therefore, bridging digital skill gaps is becoming a top issue for businesses. To take advantage of the most recent technical advancements, employees need to learn new digital skills. Without ongoing development opportunities, digital skill gaps will hinder organisations’ transformation efforts. One effective strategy for achieving this adaptability is through Digital Apprenticeships. This is not just cost-effective for employers but also ensures that their employees are well-trained in market trends and technological developments.In this blog, we will talk about the importance of workforce digital upskilling and how it benefits business as a whole.

The current state of digital talent in the UK

But before we begin to understand the intricacies of digital skills development, let us understand the landscape of the UK’s current status. (Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/industry/blog/education/2023/03/09/new-connections-how-were-bridging-the-uk-digital-skills-gap/ ) Moreover, by 2025, there are projected to be 3 million new tech jobs in the UK, further highlighting the demand for skilled professionals in today’s market. This gap highlights the critical importance of workforce digital upskilling. This can bridge the skills gap and prepare employees for future challenges.

What is Digital Apprenticeship?

Now let us understand what exactly is ‘Digital Apprenticeship?’ Digital Apprenticeship is a training programme designed to develop a highly skilled workforce in fields including IT, coding, software development, data analysis and more. These apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom learning tailored to meet specific business needs. By participating in these programmes, apprentices gain hands-on experience while earning a qualification that enhances their career prospects. Organisations need people who are tech-friendly and well-aware of recent technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), data, cloud computing, and machine learning. This will help them stay at the top of the industry and strategically deal with industry challenges.

Different Digital Apprenticeships for employees upskilling

Digital Apprenticeships include several specialised fields, including:

• Information Communications Technician: This programme focuses on maintaining IT infrastructure and improving problem-solving capabilities.
• Cyber Security Technologist: This training programme trains employees to protect organisational data against cyber threats.
• Data Technician: Equips employees with skills for data handling and analysis using tools like Microsoft Excel and Power BI.
• Data Analyst: Prepares individuals to make data-driven decisions that enhance business performance.

Each programme is designed to address specific skill gaps within organisations while promoting continuous learning and innovation.

How workforce digital upskilling benefits organisations

Investing in Digital Apprenticeships offers numerous advantages for organisations:

• Stronger employee retention: As per research, companies that promote upskilling and provide growth opportunities nurture employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
• Increased competitiveness: Companies that prioritise upskilling remain agile and responsive to industry changes. The workforce with updated skills and knowledge is more innovative and productive.
• Future ready workforce: Digital transformation training ensures that employees are not only familiar with current technologies but also adaptable to future innovations. Apprenticeships are important for future-proofing organisations.
• Continuous learning culture: Promoting continuous learning through digital transformation training boosts employee engagement and retention, with organisations seeing an increase in engagement rates.
• Cost-effective upskilling: Through the UK Apprenticeship Levy, organisations can access funding for apprenticeships at little or no cost.

The UK Apprenticeship Levy allows organisations that contribute to the levy to upskill their workforce at no additional cost. For those not paying into the levy, the “co-investment” option enables organisations to cover just 5% of apprenticeship costs, with the government funding the remaining 95%.

Digital Apprenticeships with MetaGedu

Investing in a digital apprenticeship programme is an important decision, and you want to ensure you have all the information you need. MetaGedu offers various perks and benefits that enhance the apprenticeship experience for both organisations and employees. The key benefits are:

• Solution-based learning: MetaGedu emphasises a customised learning experience that adapts to the unique needs of each organisation, ensuring relevant skill development.
• Expert guidance: The Employer Engagement Team works hand-in-hand with businesses to match apprenticeships to specific roles, facilitating effective curriculum alignment.
• Complimentary recruitment services: MetaGedu provides additional support by sourcing candidates from their existing talent pool, ensuring access to motivated learners ready to contribute from day one.
• Continuous support: Throughout the apprenticeship journey, MetaGedu offers ongoing guidance and mentorship. The one-on-one session helps apprentices thrive in their roles.

MetaGedu offers various short-term courses and apprenticeship opportunities for employees. These apprenticeships in UK provide training, workshops and coaching sessions to equip them well for real-world challenges in their respective fields.

Empowering your workforce with digital transformation training

Technology is changing how businesses work, and to stay competitive, employees must learn new skills or improve their skills. Investing in training and development is important for cultivating a culture of continuous learning, innovation and growth. Embracing Digital Apprenticeships is a great move toward future-proofing your workforce. As technology continues to shape the business landscape, investing in workforce digital upskilling will not only enhance your organisation’s capabilities but also secure its position as a leader. Investing in apprenticeships is not just an investment in your workforce. It is an investment in the long-term growth of the company. Thus, ensuring that the company becomes a trendsetter rather than a follower.