Looking to unlock people's full potential? Here’s why investing in employee training is certainly something to consider from my perspective, having just completed my apprenticeship with a Distinction.

By investing in training, companies gain access to motivated individuals eager to learn and contribute, while also benefiting from the latest academic knowledge in their industry.

One way to do this is though apprenticeships - these allow employers to shape and develop employees in line with their company’s values and needs, ensuring a tailored fit.

Investing in training can lead to increased employee retention, as employees often feel a sense of loyalty to the company that invested in their growth.

And we know about this first hand…

Our apprentice

Hi, I’m Megan-rose Vince, a Senior Social Media Executive here at BlueSky Education. I have just completed my Level 3 Digital Marketing apprenticeship and as a result have received a Distinction!

But let’s go back, when I finished my A-levels, I was encouraged to consider university. However, deep down, I knew it wasn’t the path that suited me best. It wasn’t long before I realised that an apprenticeship was the route for me. The ability to learn while working, gaining practical experience, and applying knowledge in real-time was exactly what I needed to thrive.

Choosing an apprenticeship allowed me to split my time between college and work, a balance that was ideal. I worked four days a week and dedicated one day to college. This approach gave me the flexibility to apply what I was learning in a professional environment, while also receiving formal education from experts in the field.

I’ve learnt that an apprenticeship isn’t always a smooth journey. It’s a process of growth and, like any learning experience, it comes with challenges. My apprenticeship was split into five quarters, each bringing a new focus and a different set of tasks. Some quarters felt more engaging than others, but that’s okay. It’s important to understand that not every part of the learning journey will be your favourite. The support I received made a world of difference.

My BlueSky Education colleagues were incredible, always checking in to ensure I was managing well. The reassurance I got from them was invaluable – it reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this process. They were genuinely invested in my success, and that made me more motivated to push through the harder quarters. I had the guidance and mentorship needed to stay on track and keep improving.

Alongside this, my tutor was always available to answer any questions I had, and the college’s safeguarding and wellness team provided constant check-ins, which helped me maintain a healthy balance. This support network was crucial in ensuring I didn’t feel isolated during tough times and that I could continue progressing both personally and professionally.

The advantage of an apprenticeship is the opportunity to build a career while still gaining qualifications. Employers who invest in apprenticeships understand the immense value of nurturing talent from the ground up. By offering employees the chance to grow through education and work experience, businesses build a skilled and loyal workforce.

I’ve witnessed first-hand how employers can positively impact their apprentices, and how apprenticeships contribute not just to the individual’s growth, but to the business as a whole. It’s about creating an environment where learning and working go hand in hand, setting employees up for long-term success.

I am so glad I took the apprenticeship route. It’s been a rewarding and transformative experience.

If you're considering an apprenticeship or investing in your employees training, the blend of learning, real-world application, and support makes it an invaluable path to success – both for the apprentice and the employer.

Our PR Consultants have also had the opportunity to learn and grow through training

We’re committed to helping our team grow and develop through ongoing training opportunities, including attending industry events like Newsrewired and many business education conferences, as well as taking courses and participating in webinars to stay up to date with the latest trends and insights.

Our PR Consultant Chloë Lane recently completed an Account Management CIPR training course:

“The course covered the key skills I’d need to successfully manage an account, including managing people who have different personalities to you, dealing with challenging requests from clients, and organising work efficiently, juggling different priorities etc. It helped set me up with the skills I needed for my current role.”

Our PR Consultant Alexandre Lopez shares his experience completing a training course in Account Management:

“Why employers should invest in employee training? Because work changes! Whether it's a new position, a client with evolving goals, or a new avenue you're exploring, the idea of any role remaining static is almost unimaginable. Employers need to continuously update their employees' skills—not just to keep pace with the work, but also to show that they are valued as integral members of the team. I recently undertook training in Account Management. We went through client expectations, time management, and discussed the common and different challenges we all faced. This investment is already paying dividends by enhancing my ability to better understand and contribute to the work, while positioning me to take on more complex responsibilities, which ultimately drives greater value for the company.”

The benefits of training for employers

Investing in employee training is a smart move for businesses. It boosts team’s skills, improves performance, and strengthens an organisation as a whole. Trained employees often work more efficiently, deliver better results, and feel more valued, which can reduce turnover and save on hiring costs. Keeping up with industry trends and tools through training also helps your business stay competitive. Companies that prioritise employee development attract top talent and build a stronger employer brand. By encouraging creativity and problem-solving, you create an environment that drives innovation and growth.

Research consistently shows that organisations investing in comprehensive training programmes tend to see higher profit margins compared to those that invest less in employee development. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) regularly highlights the positive correlation between professional development and business performance. In the rapidly evolving higher education sector, where digital transformation and changing student expectations are constant challenges, continuous learning has become particularly crucial.

Consider the ripple effect of well-trained staff in a university setting. When administrative personnel receive advanced training in student support systems, they can process enquiries more efficiently and provide better service to students. When lecturers participate in pedagogical development programmes, they can incorporate innovative teaching methods that enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Similarly, investing in media training for academic staff and senior leadership ensures your institution's expertise is effectively communicated to the wider world. Well-trained spokespeople can confidently handle media interviews, contribute to public debates, and raise your institution's profile through clear, engaging communication. These improvements directly contribute to higher student satisfaction rates, better institutional rankings, and enhanced public reputation.

Moreover, professional development initiatives create valuable cross-departmental learning opportunities. For instance, when staff from different faculties or departments participate in joint training sessions, they share perspectives and best practices, fostering collaboration and innovation across the institution. This knowledge exchange can lead to improved interdisciplinary approaches and more efficient operational processes.

The financial benefits extend beyond reduced recruitment costs. Well-trained employees are more likely to identify process improvements and efficiency savings, they're also better equipped to adapt to new technologies and methodologies, ensuring your institution remains at the forefront of educational innovation.

The training BlueSky Education offers

At BlueSky Education, we’re passionate about continuous growth—not just for our team but also for our clients and partners. While we invest heavily in our team’s development to ensure we deliver the best results in international PR, we also extend this commitment by offering tailored training opportunities designed to empower and upskill those we work with. These include:

• Media Training: Our bespoke sessions are designed to help professionals confidently engage with the media. Whether it’s preparing for interviews or managing challenging questions, we equip participants with the skills to deliver impactful, clear, and authentic messages that align with their institution’s goals.

• Writing Workshops: We provide teams with the skills to create clear, engaging content that really connects with their audience.

• Webinars: We share straightforward advice and strategies on key topics like how to secure broadcast and podcast opportunities, how academics can comment on the current news agenda and how to get your business school in the Financial Times, to help our clients stay ahead.

Through these training opportunities, we aim to foster stronger partnerships, build confidence, and share our expertise to help universities and business schools stand out in their industry.

Discuss your training needs with one of our experts.

Author: Megan-rose Vince

With an eye for style and always keeping impact in mind, Megan is dedicated to delivering consistently interesting content that influences audiences, demonstrating growth in both engagement and follower numbers across different key platforms and networks. Beyond creating gripping content, Megan regularly produces key insights into how business schools and universities could, and should, be using social media as a marketing tool.