Nearly 60 per cent of payroll teams not hiring apprentices - new research shows
Payroll departments are being urged by the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) to offer more apprenticeships after new research from the Birmingham-based business showed a lack of understanding about the benefits of on-the-job-training.
Over a quarter of respondents to a CIPP survey said that hiring a payroll apprentice wasn’t on their radar and nearly one in three claimed they wouldn’t know where to start.
The introduction of the apprenticeship levy in the UK was intended to benefit businesses by boosting essential training and developing apprenticeship programmes, however billions of funds have been returned to the Treasury since 2017.
As the Chartered Institute for payroll, pensions and reward professionals in the UK, the CIPP is dedicated to raising the profile of payroll in businesses across the country. To mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week, Chief Executive Officer Jason Davenport is calling on more payroll departments to consider apprentices and the funding options available.
He said: “When it comes to payroll there’s a lot more to it than just processing people's pay, many other departments rely on information from their payroll team on a daily basis. They are the beating heart within any organisation and offer support to employees, provide business insights with data analysis and find new ways to be more efficient.
“Apprenticeships are a powerful way to nurture new talent at any age or skill level, whether you're hiring externally or upskilling your current team. They provide on-the-job training, foster a culture of learning, boost staff retention and morale, and promote diversity and inclusion. There are lots of funding options available, none more so than the apprenticeship levy, so I would encourage businesses to explore this opportunity to build a more skilled and motivated workforce.”
Curtis Sharpe recently graduated with the CIPP having completed the Level 5 Payroll Assistant Management Apprenticeship, and was also awarded ‘Best Work-Based Project 2024 ’ during the ceremony. The 39-year-old is keen to share his experience and encourage others in the industry to follow his lead, adding:
“I chose a payroll apprenticeship due to the one-on-one tutoring and flexibility to study modules around my work, meaning I could learn on the job. Having the backing of my employer has also been important because it gave me the confidence to build on my technical knowledge and risk awareness, meaning I could operate a compliant and accurate payroll process.
“The apprenticeship pathway offered so much more and has motivated me to continue progressing up the career ladder. Becoming a student member at the CIPP also enabled me to access a strong network of fellow professionals and receive the latest industry information and updates, something which is going to be invaluable in helping me to achieve my career goals. To anyone who is considering an apprenticeship then I would encourage you to speak with your manager about the benefits of such an amazing educational program.”
Membership of the CIPP is designed to support payroll professionals through every stage of their career. There’s a membership level to suit everyone, with a wide range of benefits designed to support, educate and assist employees in achieving their professional goals. IPP Education, a wholly owned subsidiary of the CIPP, also develops, delivers, assesses, and awards CIPP-approved qualifications and training, to the relevant industry standard, ensuring industry is compliant.
Alongside IPP Education, the CIPP is hosting a series of webinars during National Apprenticeship Week and sharing valuable insights into the world of payroll apprenticeships. For more information please visit: cipp.org.uk.
