“Within living memory, it was possible for a person to enter the world of work, train in a role and stay in it with the same company until retirement. Not only was it possible, it was the norm.”
Barry Hilton
The last members of that generation are coming up for retiral now. Although news feeds carry endless stories about skill shortages, rising wage demands and the war for talent, getting a good job and staying successful in it remains extremely challenging. The lifecycle of relevant skills has shortened dramatically and continues to do so. Unless professional people constantly refresh, augment and broaden their competencies they risk becoming less employable.
Most market sectors have changed dramatically over the past five years and the pace has been accelerated by the technology-reliance induced by Covid. Professional qualifications – once the guinea-stamp of differentiation, have become common currency and merely a ticket to the dance. The journey of learning is continuous and has no terminus. To remain successful, we must never alight from the growth bus.
“Apprenticeships are essential on a multitude of levels.”
Barry Hilton
Apprenticeships serve the individual making them better in role and increasing confidence. They bestow an independent quality assurance mark. They assist employers by enabling a professional workforce to achieve better and stronger results thus guaranteeing employment for people and, shareholder return. They serve the nation by making our economy stronger and creating wealth. Apprenticeships are a pivot point on the growth journey. As an apprentice, consider; What lies beyond my current development goals?
You may be just beginning a new apprenticeship journey, well underway or nearing a successful completion, but wherever you find yourself, raise your eyes beyond the next 20 metres of road and look into the distance. What continuous professional development (CPD) is going to keep you out in front as you power on through a successful career. More of the same? A change in direction? The next level of responsibility? Whatever you choose, make sure you are someone who employers are fighting over to join their teams!
