Are you a female business owner looking for new ways to grow your company? Look no further than the power of apprenticeships! Apprenticeships offer an exciting new way to bring fresh ideas and perspectives into your business at a fraction of the cost. Let’s break down why hiring an apprentice can be beneficial for your business.

For starters, apprenticeship programs are great for training younger professionals in the skills they need to succeed in their chosen field. In addition, it provides you, the business owner with access to a larger pool of talent. Apprentices also come with a unique perspective and enthusiasm that can be stimulating for any team. And since apprentices don’t need to be paid as much as experienced employees (side note. I’m all for fair pay! Pay peanuts and you get monkeys), you can save on payroll costs while still gaining valuable skills and insights from these young professionals.

Apprenticeship programs also afford businesses the opportunity to build relationships with local schools and universities. This is especially important for female-owned businesses, which often have difficulty accessing traditional networks. By forming partnerships with schools, companies will have access to talented individuals who may otherwise go unnoticed by recruiters and HR departments. Pre-pandemic, I loved getting into local high schools and colleges to chat with the young people there about business and money!

Finally, apprenticeships are versatile enough to work within almost any industry or budget size. Whether you’re a small start-up or a well-established organisation, there’s an apprentice program that can fit your needs perfectly. Plus, these programs often provide funding opportunities that make it easier than ever before for businesses to take advantage of them without breaking their budgets or sacrificing quality in the process.

You may have spotted on our Instagram that we have recently welcomed Neve into the Financial Growth Academy / J K Business Services family as a Trainee Finance Assistant, but she has also been supporting Krista with our marketing and social media since she joined us a month ago. Neve is literally part of the family here ( she's Kristas' niece).

As a business owner, don't underestimate how valuable it is to take on an apprentice. In my 20 years in business, I've always been passionate about giving young girls the opportunity to get started. Nicola our Ops Director at J K Business Services is a shining example of this. I took Nic on as an apprentice when she was just 17 years old, and now at 31, she's still by my side and an integral part of J K!!!

Here is Nic’s story……

"My journey with J K started back in May 2011. My best friend Hayley worked for Jo and was leaving and knew I was looking for another job. She put me in contact with Jo who offered me the position of Office Junior on an apprenticeship programme to complete my SVQ level 3 in Business and Administration. Considering the job I was in before, this was a huge opportunity for me, it was a dead end and I was underpaid to the point Jo couldn't quite believe it at my interview - I was paid £55 per week working full-time!

Once I was up to speed, I was mainly based in our clients' offices, helping with their various systems and bookkeeping, whilst still completing my apprenticeship. I finished this in 2014 and then I began my SVQ Level 4 straight afterwards. 

I was then promoted to Office Manager in 2015 which was a huge deal for me. To have this sort of responsibility was massive for me and the fact Jo trusted me with this role was an incredible feeling. 

I thoroughly enjoy being involved in everything day to day with the business and getting into the nitty gritty and learning a totally different side of the business! 

When I turned 25 in 2017, Jo asked me to take on the role of Director. When I say I cried, it was like a literal waterfall! I’ve tried my hardest to do Jo proud throughout the years. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today or be half the woman I am now. 

Then last year, I found out I was pregnant with twins. Jo was so supportive, and I had no hesitations in asking her to be the Godmother of my babies! As always though, my timings are impeccable, and I went into early labour the final day I was meant to be in the office and gave Jo a heart attack with it being month end 🤣. 

It’s full on as a J K girl but it’s also super flexible, I'm now back working in between feeds for Jacques and Harley. There really aren't a lot of workplaces that would allow this and I am so thankful every day that I get to still work but also still spend important time with my babies. 

And here we are now! The wonderful ladies I alongside are more like family than work colleagues and our clients are the most incredible people. 

Lastly, I don't think I can quite put into words how thankful I am for you Jo and what you've done for me over the years. It's been the most incredible 12 years and you have helped shape me into the woman I am today. I am forever grateful to you, I love you so so much ❤️

At the end of the day, taking on an apprentice is one of the best ways that you as female entrepreneurs can level up in your businesses quickly and effectively. Hiring an apprentice gives you access to top talent, helps create meaningful connections in your local communities, and offers financial benefits that no other recruitment strategy can match. Plus, you never know how lucky you can be, who would have thought all these years later, the 17-year old girl who sat in my office that day would become a director and someone I love so dearly.

Jo xxx