Design director of Lima Kitchens Elizabeth-Pantling Jones explains why she finds it difficult to support apprenticeships for KBB retail   

Apprenticeships are a tricky situation and discussion. I love seeing the passion some have for this but there is so much uncertainty, lack of clarity, support or guidance around ‘our’ apprenticeship that it presents a number of, what should be, unnecessary hurdles for all parties.  

We have employed a team of eight, plus us the directors. All but one of our employees are 30 or under and one is undertaking an apprenticeship. But I honestly have no idea what the apprenticeship has added above our other employees.

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Moving forward, I have no idea how to measure the success or ability of potentially employing a qualified apprentice, moving forward, and therefore it doesn’t provide the benefit or security it should. 

Difficult to find information 

I have been very vocal on my viewpoint on apprenticeships in our industry but I feel there are arguments which are used as trump cards.

On multiple occasion I have had the feedback that there is ‘a lack of industry uptake’. This frustrates me as I have had issues accessing apprenticeships.

Finding the criteria of an employee to turn apprentice has been difficult plus I have experienced a lack of acknowledgements when enquiring about apprenticeships.

If the infrastructure was in place with a suitable contact, clear route for enquiries and someone to respond promptly, that would be a great start.

For that person to have a clear understanding of the process and taking ownership of moving this forward would be better.  

One size can fit all 

The other card that gets pulled is ‘we are all so different and there is no one size fits all’. While this is true, there are still core requirements. Covering these off is key.

Discussing the options on tools, techniques, knock-on effects and problem solving are all very important.  

With many other professional qualifications, specialities are entered in to at the end of the qualification. The same could be offered within our own apprenticeships to tailor them further and add value. I am sure much of this is already there, just not well communicated.

A set up of a structure, detailing the competencies and signposting where you should be aiming throughout the course, which is shared at the start would be greatly beneficial for all.