Should firms take on an apprentice for every non-EU worker they hire?

A debate about non-EU worker apprenticeship is presented. Chris Bayne, CEO of software firm Access Group, said that only by taking a short- and long-term approach to talent management will firms get the skills they need now and in the future. Businesses that want to hire non-EU expertise to plug a gap should be able to do so. One of the best ways to meet that need is to take on an apprentice. Doing so offers measurable results. Meanwhile, Louisa Harrison-Walker, director of recruitment firm Benchmark Recruit, said that to use the apprenticeships scheme as a punishment is unfair to the company and the apprentice. Too many businesses abuse the scheme and don't invest and develop individuals. To force people to recruit would lead to a misuse of the resource and the short-changing of the apprentice.