Independent Training Providers are crucial players in ensuring apprenticeship inclusivity

Lifetime Training’s impact is evident from the recent article in The Times, which highlighted the fierce competition for undergraduate places at prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge. While there were an average of seven applications per place at these universities, Lifetime Training witnessed a remarkable 17,000 teenagers applying for just 215 apprenticeship vacancies at the esteemed banking group Lloyds in 2022. The trend continued at other prominent organisations like BP and PwC, where thousands of applicants vied for limited apprenticeship positions.

The appeal of apprenticeships lies in the promise of a full-time job upon course completion and the absence of burdensome student debts, particularly in times of financial constraints. Lifetime Training has provided these opportunities, giving young individuals a clear career path and the chance to thrive without being weighed down by educational loans.

We at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance firmly believe in the essence of apprenticeships – to generate a skilled workforce pipeline that our country desperately needs and to drive equal opportunities and diversity in career paths for disadvantaged youths. This aligns perfectly with Lifetime Training’s mission, and together, we are committed to breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive and diverse workforce.

One of the critical reasons why apprenticeships receive acclaim is their positive impact on businesses. Lifetime Training’s approach to increasing partner companies’ skills base and productivity has been commendable. Notably, apprenticeships contribute to the growth of organisations and lead to better representation of customers and communities, fostering fresh ideas and perspectives.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) is a core priority for corporations, and we, as the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance, acknowledge Lifetime Training’s pivotal role in helping employers meet their diversity goals. By offering benchmarking data, Lifetime Training empowers companies to assess the diversity of their apprenticeships compared to their overall workforce and similar organisations within their sector. This information allows employers to identify underrepresented groups and take necessary steps to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As a case in point, Lifetime Training has been actively collaborating with McDonald’s UK & Ireland to set a shining example of an inclusive apprenticeship program. The program offers a comprehensive career pathway up to manager levels and has a positive impact on the communities where McDonald’s operates.

Lifetime Training’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its retention data. The statistics show that apprenticeships have been a resounding success, with a significant percentage of learners continuing to work in the same sector and for the same employer. Moreover, the data also reveals a nuanced aspect related to diversity and inclusion, where learners from ethnic minority backgrounds reported higher career benefits and interest in higher-level apprenticeships than their white counterparts.

As the popularity of apprenticeships continues to grow, the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance celebrates Lifetime Training’s efforts in shaping the diversity of organisations and ensuring that these programs fulfil their intended purpose of providing equal opportunities to all. By assisting employers in setting and meeting realistic diversity targets and providing benchmarking data, Lifetime Training acts as a guiding light, facilitating the growth and diversification of workforces, leading to numerous benefits for organisations and communities alike. Together, we can create a brighter and more inclusive future through apprenticeships.