INNOVATION WINNING COMPANY: MITIE Group’s The Real Apprentice programme

Posted: Tuesday 10 May 11, 3.00pm GMT

The Real Apprentice Programme showcases MITIE Group as a true ‘people’ organisation, one that raises the corporate responsibility bar for others to follow. The ten week scheme works to break down barriers and help the long-term unemployed and people with a physical or mental disability back into the world of work through training and placements both at MITIE and with its clients. The business case is very clear. MITIE has saved hundreds of thousands of pounds in recruitment fees since the start of the programme whilst also motivating people who have developed their skills and discovered abilities they never knew they had.

Mitie Group.

One of the biggest challenges was securing the payment of benefits, travel and clothing assistance from JobCentre Plus (JCP) for the unemployed participants taking part in the programme. Once this was achieved, individuals could retain their benefits allowing them to participate fully in the programme – a truly innovative approach to addressing employability issues.

The Real Apprentice programme begins with a submission of potential applicants by JCP and then successful applicants participate in a pre-placement week to build confidence and evaluate ability. An eight-week operational placement complete with on-site mentor and audit trail then follows. After that is an offsite week with CV and interview workshops and the final part is the annual award ceremony to recognise the achievement of the real apprentices.

Since the start of the scheme in London in 2005, 197 people have taken part, with 134 real apprentices completing the programme and 98 of those being offered permanent jobs, both at MITIE and with other employers. Following the initial success of the scheme in London, it has now been extended and in 2010 the first Glasgow Real Apprentice scheme was established. Plans to extend the scheme to other regions are underway following its success in London and Glasgow.

Jane James, Employment Regeneration Director at MITIE, commented:

“Not only is there a social and moral case for working together to make a difference to peoples’ lives, but there’s also a solid business case. The Real Apprentice is about people helping people, and we encourage all individuals and organisations to get involved.”