Investing in apprentices develops talent for the future, says former BIBAs winner
With apprentices very much in the news, the BIBAs is the perfect place to let your team shine.
Developing talent should be at the heart of all businesses and having apprentices on your team can help with this, according to last year’s winner.
Heir Salon and Education walked away with last years’ Apprentice Team of the Year after investing in young talent in their team.
And with apprentices in decline, bosses at the businesses have issued a rallying call to invest in the future.
“Apprenticeships are in decline, and we felt a responsibility to show what’s still possible when you commit fully to developing young talent,” says Natasha Langthorne, director at Heir Salon and Education, “. We don’t “have” apprentices. We invest in them, we plan around them, and we build systems that put their growth at the centre.
“Seeing that written down on our application form for the BIBAs made us proud of the culture we’ve built.”
For a decade the Apprentice Team of the Year at the BIBAs has been sponsored by BAE Systems.
This enduring partnership reflects BAE Systems' dedication to fostering young talent and fostering entrepreneurship in the region. Their sponsorship empowers the BIBAs to showcase the accomplishments of aspiring apprentices and inspire the future generation of business leaders.
And how did it feel walking away with a BIBA?
“In one word? Overwhelmed,” says Natasha, “Not because we didn’t believe in ourselves, but because we knew what this moment meant. For our team. For the industry. For every salon (and small business) still committed to legacy.
“Employing, training, and developing young talent has gone beyond a job for us. It’s part of our mission, our brand, and our core beliefs. To be recognised for that was incredibly special.”
Gareth Howell, Head of Early Careers and Skills at BAE’s Academy of Skills and Knowledge in Samlesbury, said: “We’re proud to continue our sponsorship of the BIBAs Apprentice Team of the Year award, a category that shines a spotlight on the exceptional talent, passion and teamwork demonstrated by apprentices who are already making a meaningful difference across our industry and in the communities we serve.
“In the BAE Systems Air Sector, apprenticeships are the lifeblood of our future capability. Our apprentices bring fresh thinking, energy and ambition into the technologies and programmes that will define the next generation of air power for decades to come. Their dedication inspires us, strengthens our teams, and helps secure the critical skills needed both here in Lancashire and across the UK.”