"I didn’t set out with a long-term career plan, but I applied for an apprenticeship because it felt like a good place to start," says Charlotte Jones, Head of Operations at GMLPN. "I joined the Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network as a Level 3 Business Administration apprentice, in a team small enough that you quickly learn how things really work, with no option but to get stuck in.
What I didn’t expect was that I’d still be here almost 11 years later, having completed two more apprenticeships and now managing the Network with support from the GMLPN Board. We talk a lot about apprenticeship starts, achievements, and funding, but not much about what happens to people once their apprenticeship finishes. In SMEs especially, there’s an assumption that apprentices often move on because there’s nowhere for them to go, and my experience is far from that! Being able to develop in my role, take on more responsibility over time, and continue learning through further apprenticeships meant progression didn’t require leaving. From early on, I was exposed to different parts of the organisation and given responsibilities that had a real impact. For example, I was trusted to manage key projects like The #SEEDIFFEREENT Apprenticeship Hub, and support how we ran our membership service and day-to-day operations. I wasn’t just completing tasks for the sake of off-the-job training, I could see the difference my work made day-to-day. That variety and responsibility gave me a deeper understanding of the business and helped me develop skills I don’t think I would have developed at a large organisation.
What I’ve learned is that apprenticeships can be just as effective in small organisations as in larger ones, maybe even more so. For employers, it’s about being realistic, give apprentices responsibility, support them, and plan for progression. Apprentices can genuinely contribute and grow with the business. For policymakers, it’s important to recognise that apprenticeships work differently in SMEs compared to large organisations. Funding helps, but SMEs often need more practical guidance and encouragement to take on apprentices. As the voice of SMEs is often missing from key strategic conversations and trailblazer groups, their needs and perspectives are sometimes overlooked.
Apprenticeships in SMEs aren’t always easy. Time is tight, and everyone is juggling a lot, but they can work really well when they’re treated as part of the organisation rather than something running alongside it.
Apprentices get exposure to a wide range of work and responsibilities, and employers get people who understand the business properly. I can truly say I wouldn’t be where I am today without all three of my apprenticeships, and definitely not without the support of my training providers and GMLPN along the way. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing, and I hope more SMEs can see how apprenticeships can make a real difference, both for apprentices and the organisations they work in."
Written by
Charlotte Jones, Head of Operations, Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network