National Apprenticeship Week at TTS
- Will Jones
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
Apprenticeships That Drive Real Business Growth
National Apprenticeship Week is a time to celebrate success stories, challenge outdated perceptions and focus on what apprenticeships really deliver for people and businesses.
At Tyneside Training Services, we see first-hand how apprenticeships support growth, strengthen teams and create long-term capability across organisations. They are not just a starting point for young people, and they are not a tick-box exercise for employers. When delivered properly, apprenticeships become a major assert in terms of workforce development.
As John Jones, Managing Director at TTS, explains:
“Apprenticeships provide highly skilled, motivated individuals making a real impact within the business. When individuals are given the right development, they become more efficient, more engaged and want to go the extra mile.
Apprenticeships That Support Progress at Every Career Stage
Apprenticeships provide flexibility, career development and personal growth. They open doors for people at very different stages within their career, whether that is a young person entering the workplace for the first time, or an experienced employee looking to progress without stepping away from their role.
Apprenticeships recognise that potential is not defined by background. They allow individuals to earn, learn and build confidence at the same time, while developing skills that are directly relevant to their job.
From a quality and delivery perspective, alignment with the workplace is critical. Louise Murray,
Quality and Operations Director at TTS, highlights why this matters:
“Quality sits at the heart of everything we do with apprenticeships. When learning is aligned to the workplace, apprentices don’t just gain a qualification, they build confidence, capability and pride in their role.”
This approach ensures learning is meaningful, applied and valuable from day one, both for the apprentice and the business.
Challenging the Biggest Apprenticeship Myth
Despite their proven impact, misconceptions around apprenticeships still exist. One of the most common is the belief that off-the-job training is time away from work with little real value.
This perception can lead to rushed learning, disengaged apprentices and missed opportunities for employers.
Amy Dudley, MIS and Compliance Director at TTS, explains why this myth persists and why it needs challenging:
“One of the biggest myths around apprenticeships is that off-the-job training is time away from work with little value. In reality, it’s structured learning that improves how the job is done and helps apprentices understand the why behind their role.”
Off-the-job training is not about removing people from the workplace. It is structured learning that supports performance, develops understanding and improves decision-making on the job. When used effectively, it enhances productivity rather than reducing it.
Quality Learning That Strengthens the Workplace
Apprenticeships work best when they are shaped around real job roles, operational demands and existing experience. This is especially important for employers developing their current workforce.
Apprentices are not starting from zero. Many bring valuable experience that should be recognised and built upon, rather than overlooked.
As Louise Murray explains:
“Apprenticeships recognise existing experience while developing new skills. That’s crucial for people who want to progress without stepping away from work, and for businesses that need consistent, high-quality performance.”
This approach supports safer working practices, improved consistency and stronger operational standards across teams, creating benefits that extend far beyond the individual learner.
Why Employers See Apprenticeships as an Investment
When apprenticeships are viewed purely as a cost, their long-term value is often underestimated. In reality, they are one of the most effective ways to build skills that align directly with a business’s needs.
Apprentices learn systems, processes, culture and standards from the outset. This reduces retraining, strengthens retention and helps future-proof critical skills.
Amy Dudley summarises this clearly:
“Apprenticeships aren’t a cost, they’re an investment. Employers develop people to fit their business from day one, build the skills they actually need and see stronger loyalty, productivity and long-term return.”
Over time, apprentices often outperform new hires with similar experience, while mentoring apprentices also develops senior staff and strengthens internal capability.
Looking Ahead: Shaping the Future Workforce
As industries continue to evolve, apprenticeships will play an increasingly important role in building sustainable, skilled workforces. They support innovation, develop future leaders and allow businesses to grow without compromising on quality.
John Jones reflects on the role apprenticeships will continue to play:
“Looking ahead, apprenticeships will help shape our industry. They support business growth without losing quality, reduce pressure on senior teams and bring fresh thinking, digital skills and future leaders into the workforce.”
A Smarter Approach to Workforce Development
National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to look beyond outdated assumptions and focus on what apprenticeships truly deliver. When aligned to the workplace and supported properly, they benefit individuals, strengthen organisations and create lasting impact.
At TTS, apprenticeships are about developing people the right way, for the long term, and supporting businesses to build skills that really matter.
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