Employer feedback - Leah Fisher, BSI
As part of National Apprenticeship Week taking place in February, we caught up with one of our employer partners, BSI, to discuss how apprenticeships have helped tackle some of the challenges they were facing to fill some of the skills gaps in their existing workforce.
People Development Advisor, Leah Fisher, explains in detail why fellow employers should embrace apprenticeships, and how they've helped to support and improve their business.
Challenges faced
Leah begins by explaining some of the challenges they faced as a business when it came to ensuring that their workforce had the right data
skills to meet the growing demands of the business.
"The challenge we faced as a company was ensuring that our workforce had the right data skills to meet the growing demands of our business.
"As we move towards becoming a more data-driven organisation, it’s important that we manage changes to close the knowledge gap and develop the skills of our people. We needed a structured and sustainable approach to upskill our people in this area, ensuring that they could keep pace with the latest tools, techniques, and best practices.
"Given these challenges, we recognised that an apprenticeship programme could provide an ideal solution."
Leah also revealed how the apprenticeship they introduced has helped introduce a culture of continuous learning, and how this will lead to a successful future for the business.
"The programmes offer formal yet flexible pathways for colleagues to build foundational and advanced data skills, gain practical experience, and apply their learning directly to their roles.
"By using the apprenticeship programme, we aimed to not only address the immediate need for enhanced data skills, but also to embed a culture of learning and growth that would support the company’s long-term success."
Why choose an Apprenticeship?
Leah also revealed the key reasons why they decided to introduce apprenticeships, and how our team supported her and the business to implement these programmes.
"Apprenticeships provide a blend of theory and practical experience over time, ensuring lasting skill development. This approach aligns with our goal to build a strong foundation in data capabilities across the company, fostering both individual growth and organisational success.
"The support provided by Leep Talent has been invaluable in delivering effective learning programmes. They understand our needs and have always ensured clear communication throughout, offering guidance on
onboarding, progress tracking, and compliance with apprenticeship requirements.
"This collaboration has not only supported learners, but also empowered our L&D function to drive meaningful and measurable results for the business."
"By using the apprenticeship programme, we aimed to not only address the immediate need for enhanced data skills, but also to embed a culture of learning and growth that would support the company’s long-term success."
Key benefits of Apprenticeships
Leah concluded her feedback by revealing what she believes to be the key benefits of introducing apprenticeships to their business, and why she'd recommend these programmes to fellow employers.
"Paid for through the government levy, I believe apprenticeships are a cost-effective training and development solution, as they provide an opportunity for applied learning to address real business needs and produce enhanced engagement from colleagues from within our business.
"Apprenticeships are absolutely recommended. They're an effective, supportive mechanism to inspire and develop people. Building on skills that are needed to make our business future ready is key and will ultimately drive organisational success."