Apprenticeships: A Business Win-Win

Have you ever experienced a win-win when doing business? Doesn't it feel good? We think so! We are constantly looking to create win-win opportunities in our business. In fact, it's one of our core company values. We talk about win-wins. We tell people about win-wins. And we spend time trying to look for ways to create win-wins on a regular basis.

We really love helping others create business success and satisfaction, and if there is a way for us to do that and to benefit our business at the same time - wow! We just think that is the coolest thing ever!

One win-win we've identified as a great thing for any business, is offering apprenticeships. Think back to your early twenties. Remember those days when you were trying to figure out how things really worked in the business world? Did someone offer you an opportunity to learn some real life business skills? If so, wasn't that incredibly beneficial to your development as a future professional? And if you weren't that lucky, can you see how that might have escalated your success-factor?

First, identify some time-draining responsibilities that you or your employees have. Things like administrative duties and research. These are a great start to a job description for your Apprentice.

Just think of what you could do with that time. It would be like finding an extra 2 hours a day, at least! Make a proactive plan for what you will do with your new-found extra time. What are the most productive income-producing activities you do in your business? Wouldn't it be great if you could spend your extra time doing those things? Can you see what a positive impact this would have on your business? Pretty exciting, right?

Next, call your local college's career office and start the conversation. Tell them about your business and how you can offer some real life experience to a student in the way of an apprenticeship. Some apprenticeships are offered at no charge to the company. The students are willing to work for free just to gain some real life experience. Others require that you offer a salary. You can discuss these options with the career office, as well.

Offering apprenticeships really is an easy way to create another win-win in your business. You win by gaining extra time and your apprentice wins by gaining valuable real-life business experience. What could be better?