Of all the challenges of helping run a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), the greatest is sourcing the right skills. This is especially true for tech companies – as I have found from running a data analytics consultancy, Purple Frog Systems. The only solution is developing talent in-house – and that’s where apprenticeships make all the difference. As both a business director and National Skills Policy Champion for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), I have a uniquely dual perspective. As a business owner, I see what works on the ground, while my skills role means I contribute to national policies that support SMEs in accessing and growing the talent they need.
For me, this journey is personal – during Covid, I undertook a Level 5 apprenticeship in Human Resources Management at Telford College. From there, Purple Frog began taking on younger apprentices. We have around 25 staff, two of whom are apprentices. Our apprentices offer innovative ideas, are up for trying new things and embracing new tech. Meanwhile, we prepare them for their careers, developing the work-ready skills they need and showing them how business operates. One of our employees joined us straight from college as a Level 3 apprentice. She smashed her Level 3 with distinction and progressed to a degree apprenticeship. Now, at 23, she is our marketing manager and has just bought her own house. All her friends are graduating with huge debts and without her work-ready skills. That is what structured development can achieve. We work directly with our local college instead of other training providers. My background in talent management helps me identify key skills gaps, which I share with the college’s employer boards. In return, Telford College helps us source and recruit suitable apprentices and we tailor roles to their strengths, from graphic design to social media.
I quickly learned how much paperwork apprenticeships involve - funding, eligibility, reporting – it all sits in different places. The college and degree apprenticeship providers both use separate platforms, while government gateways add another layer. The system could work much better to support SMEs. Small businesses need simple, connected, fully digital systems. I want to see all my apprentices in one place – their progress, assignments and milestones – but that is not possible right now. This fragmentation creates definite barriers for SMEs.
We also need better incentives. When Purple Frog first took on an apprentice, we received £3,000 in support. That amount is now only £1,000. This financial support matters. Taking on apprentices is a significant commitment for SMEs – particularly early on when you are investing in training or new equipment. Apprenticeship standards also need improving. They need to emphasise basic digital skills. I do not say this with my tech hat on – I am not talking specialised coding, but basics like writing emails, formatting documents and spreadsheets, even searching online.
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Drop in financial support when taking on an apprentice
Young people often lack these digital skills, even though every profession – from hair and beauty to electricians – relies on them. However, in my national policy role for FSB, I know there are people working hard to address these issues and I am hopeful for the future. Despite the challenges, I would not change our approach. Apprenticeships have helped Purple Frog access talent we would never otherwise have found.
For any SMEs considering apprenticeships, especially in fast-moving industries, I would absolutely recommend it. Apprenticeships are a great way of tackling specific skills needs, while promoting an all-important culture of lifelong learning.
Yes, apprenticeships require effort. No, the system is not perfect. But the returns are totally worthwhile. Talk to your local college. Join your local business network. And check out Skills for Life, which offers great support for businesses looking to get started. But do not wait for the perfect moment, it doesn’t exist – just get started!
Written by
Hollie Whittles, InfoSec and HR Director at Purple Frog Systems, FSB National Policy Champion for Skills, and an awarding-winning TEDx speaker.