Business Case: Introduction of Technology Apprenticeships in DevOps and Software Engineering in your Organisation
We know it can be difficult to have the time to create a compelling business case to get all your stakeholders on board.
That's what's why we've created this template, which you can use as a basis for your own. Feel free to copy, paste and edit to make it as relevant as possible to your own organisation.
Executive Summary:
As technology continues to advance, cultivating a skilled and adaptable workforce is essential for our organisation's success. Introducing technology apprenticeships in DevOps, Software Engineering and Digital & Technology Solutions through the Apprenticeship Levy is a strategic move that aligns with our business objectives, addresses the skills gap, and ensures a competitive edge in the dynamic tech landscape.
The Apprenticeship Levy is a dedicated pot of funds for workplace training which we may be underutilising, and so it’s likely that no budget will be required to introduce these programmes.
Over 2 million tech job vacancies were advertised in the UK in 2023, leaving an estimated 1 million positions unfilled, with DevOps among the most sought-after skills. Hiring software and DevOps engineers remains hugely competitive, especially at a senior level. Introducing training programmes in DevOps, Software Engineering and Digital & Technology Solutions may reduce our recruitment costs and retain and engage a highly motivated team.
Objectives
Skills Enhancement:
Develop a highly skilled workforce in DevOps, Software Engineering and Digital & Technology Solutions to meet the evolving demands of our industry.
Cost Effective Training:
Utilise the Apprenticeship Levy, a dedicated pot of funds for workplace training, to implement apprenticeship programs without additional budgetary requirements.
Talent Pipeline:
Establish a robust talent pipeline by nurturing homegrown talent through apprenticeships, ensuring a continuous pool of skilled professionals.
Reduce Recruitment Costs and Improve Retention:
Tech jobs are highly competitive, especially as a senior level. Introducing training programmes in DevOps and Software Engineering may reduce our recruitment costs and retain and engage a highly motivated team.
Background and Rationale
Background:
The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, with DevOps and Software Engineering emerging as critical components of organisational success. To stay ahead, we must invest in our workforce's skills, and the Apprenticeship Levy provides a unique opportunity to do so without impacting our budget.
Rationale:
Utilisation of the Apprenticeship Levy:
The Apprenticeship Levy is a dedicated fund, effectively a 'pot of money,' specifically designed to facilitate workplace training. This means the introduction of technology apprenticeships in DevOps and Software Engineering will incur no additional budgetary burden for our organisation.
Addressing the Skills Gap:
Apprenticeships offer a structured and hands-on approach to learning, tailored to the specific needs of our organisation. By focusing on DevOps and Software Engineering, we directly address the existing skills gap and equip our workforce with the expertise needed for our technology landscape.
Creating a Talent Pipeline:
Apprenticeships provide a direct pathway to building a skilled and loyal workforce. By investing in our employees through apprenticeship programs, we cultivate a talent pipeline that aligns with our organisational goals and reduces dependence on external talent acquisition.
Enhancing Organisational Agility:
Skilled professionals in DevOps and Software Engineering contribute to increased organisational agility. Apprenticeships ensure that our workforce is adaptable, capable of embracing new technologies, and contributing to our competitiveness in the market.
Implementation Plan & Conclusion
Implementation Plan:
Identify Training Needs:
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the skills required in DevOps and Software Engineering within our organisation.
Select Apprenticeship Programmes:
Choose apprenticeship programmes that align with our identified needs, ensuring a tailored approach to skills development. In this case, we will use:
- Software Engineering Diploma Level 4
- DevOps
Utilise the Apprenticeship Levy:
Leverage the Apprenticeship Levy to cover the costs associated with apprenticeship programmes, eliminating the need for additional budget allocation.
Engage Stakeholders:
Communicate the benefits of introducing technology apprenticeships to key stakeholders, fostering buy-in and support for the initiative.
Monitor and Evaluate:
Implement a monitoring and evaluation system to track the success of apprenticeship programmes and make adjustments as needed.
Conclusion:
Introducing technology apprenticeships in DevOps and Software Engineering through the Apprenticeship Levy is a strategic investment in our workforce that aligns with our business objectives. By leveraging this dedicated funding source, we position our organisation to thrive in the ever-changing technology landscape while cultivating a skilled and loyal talent pool.
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