The value of apprenticeships

National Apprenticeship Week 

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week at MHR, we’re talking about the value of apprenticeships. There are positives all round, both for employers and for apprentices themselves. The theme for this year is Skills for Life, so we’ll also be exploring some of the skills that our apprentices learn during their time here. 

The value of apprenticeship programs for organisations 

Supporting your people and their development is the best way to ensure your business grows. According to the Department for Education, 78% of employers report improved productivity after introducing apprenticeships. When you equip your apprentices with the experience they need to succeed, you’ll see better results for your organisation. 

Investing in apprenticeships also helps to close skill gaps. You’re ensuring that your employees are equipped with the skills that will be in demand later down the line. We identified that software engineering and cybersecurity skills are integral to our success and founded the MHR Academy to support the training of apprentices across our Cybersecurity, Software, and Product departments. 

There’s really no better way to futureproof your business than to invest in apprentices and support the next generation of talent. Our Head of Academy and Apprenticeships Lynn Holdsworth says, “The MHR Academy was set up to grow and develop our future planning and talent management. Apprenticeships are for everybody and all ages – the opportunities are endless.” 

The benefits for apprentices 

For apprentices themselves, an apprenticeship can be the starting point of a rewarding career. According to the Department for Education, 93% of learners remain in employment after completing their apprenticeships. They’re excellent opportunities for development, providing on-the-job learning and valuable industry experience. 

Since starting a cybersecurity apprenticeship at MHR, David Biayna Neal has studied Human Computer Interaction, programming languages such as Python, and Operating Systems and Server Administration. During his time as an apprentice, he’s had the opportunity to undertake a professional practice module, as well as co-manage threat modelling exercises and penetration testing. His apprenticeship highlights have been the flexibility, the mentoring, and receiving several sources of learning at once. 

Software engineering apprenticeships 

At MHR, we have a dedicated software apprenticeship program, led by Software Academy Manager Ashley Diggle. He says, “The MHR software apprenticeship program brings fresh perspectives, diverse backgrounds, and new aspirations into the business, helping drive innovation in our products.”

Throughout their software apprenticeship, apprentices get hands-on coding practice, learn Agile Scrum methodologies, and gain experience working in a software engineering environment. The solutions they develop are implemented in our People First platform, directly benefitting our customers. By the end of their apprenticeship, apprentices earn a Level 4 qualification in their field, with the opportunity to progress to a Level 6 degree apprenticeship in partnership with Nottingham Trent University. 

During her time at MHR, Apprentice Software Engineer Madelane Daz has developed two superapp prototypes, begun a research project about leveraging AI, and developed her debugging and troubleshooting skills. She was also shortlisted for Young Apprentice of the Year at the Midlands Young Professionals Awards in December 2024 and will soon transition to a Junior Software Engineer role with us. 

You could follow in the footsteps of David or Madelane and be MHR’s next apprentice success story. If you’re interested in an apprenticeship here at MHR, let us know.