EXPERT OPINION
from beginning to end . If not , they may feel disengaged from the programme and de-motivated to continue in the data centre industry , let alone their placement .
What is key is continually assessing how apprentices are feeling in their roles and ensuring they feel empowered to ask questions so they can make the most of their time . That means making sure managers are set up to deliver success too and feel they have the right tools and training to dedicate to apprentices . Improving programmes can also entail investing in new technologies that make the apprentice experience the best it can be , such as onboarding platforms or training systems .
Being clear about the role new hires play within data centre operators is also important , so that the organisation can meet the expectations of the apprentice and vice versa . Ensuring their buy-in from the outset , offering access to a mentor or ‘ buddy ’ and giving them real responsibilities – the impact of which they can tangibly see – can make them feel a great sense of belonging . The more they are satisfied with their role , the better the results are likely to be , which in turn can drive retention and even boost the chance of becoming a permanent employee .
Our own apprentices have shared how they really enjoy the exposure to many areas of the business , for example via shadowing marketing , facility managers , engineers and more employees in different teams and locations to understand how the company operates holistically . This can enable them to visualise all the different career paths available and inspire them to see themselves in the shoes of leadership in the future .
The future
The technology skills gap is not a problem that is going to be easily solved anytime soon , but apprentices can be a great source of talent to help ease this in the short and long term . With fresh perspectives , inquisitive minds and a willingness to learn , there are thousands of potential new apprentices that could be invaluable for the data centre industry , and companies are right to consider ways they can improve the working environment to be more inclusive and ensure everyone thrives in their jobs – no matter how difficult that may be . However , if organisations in the data centre industry do not commit the right amount of resources to developing and improving their apprenticeship programmes , this strategy could backfire and leave individuals with great potential instead feeling alienated . As such , companies must be proactive in getting the apprenticeship experience right and in turn they can reap the rewards – fantastic new team members , better retention and more widely , put themselves in a greater position for business success . �
IT ’ S IMPERATIVE APPRENTICESHIP PROVIDERS IMPLEMENT STRUCTURES TO ENSURE STAFF FEEL SUPPORTED FROM BEGINNING TO END .
42 www . intelligentdatacentres . com