Here at the Bromley College Innovation Centre, the team and I work on a wide variety of apprenticeship vacancies, which, for all, is great news. A high percentage of our time each day is spent managing the expectations of both candidates and employers and clarifying the role they both have to play in the employer apprentice relationship.

Sound guidance and information for both is key to the successful outcome of an apprenticeship and the learner's progression in their chosen field, so it's an area that requires a lots of investment.

Working with my team of dedicated Business Development Advisors and Recruitment Consultants, we guide employers and candidates through the apprenticeship process. A key emphasis is on the employer's role and the commitment that is required from them for a successful outcome, both for their business and the learner.

After all, it's easier to form an ongoing relationships with employers if they enjoy the journey and can see tangible benefits from taking part in the scheme. It's the basics that require attention, such as allowing time for study; assessor visits; encouragement and support; and an open door policy for questions, not to mention a sound business structure that supports the apprentice on a day to day basis.

For candidates, it's the same, after all, regardless of it being an apprenticeship, it is for many a first job. Which can be daunting enough, so couple that with an on-going formal qualification, their task is two-fold, to add benefit to the employer's business and upskill themselves in their chosen field.

There is an old saying "start with the end in mind" and so, for both parties, it's crucial that they have sight of why they are starting this journey. For the employers, it could be succession planning, employing a younger work force, skill sharing and staff retention. Whatever the motivator is, and it differs for all, the employer needs to be sure they can support the process.

As for the apprentice, what an amazing opportunity to continue in education whilst earning a salary and applying their newly gained knowledge on a daily basis with a supportive employer. The scheme works!

It acknowledges we are not all academics destined for university, but we are ready to play our role in society. At the ripe old age of 52, I am being supported by my employer to gain a foundation degree, it's the same principal. What I learn I give back to my role and, in turn, I increase the quality of work in which I am involved. After all, "knowledge is power".

"Education is for all", regardless of the route you take in search of it, so what better way to access it than through an apprenticeship. The target set by the government is a challenging one, but I know that Bromley College, my team and I, will certainly play there part in adding to the success of it.