IF the UK is to achieve its target of recruiting 400,000 apprentices a year from 2014/15, every size of business must recognise the benefits.

In North Devon, smaller businesses are already starting to recruit apprentices.

When Richard and Elaine Isaac wanted to grow Convallis Software, their IT consultancy and IT software business based on their farm in Chulmleigh, discussions with Connexions, Business Link and the National Apprenticeship Service led them to taking on an apprentice to achieve their objectives.

Elaine said: "We wanted to grow the business and give the apprentice the chance to learn new skills.

"It's a cost effective way to have someone help you in the business and gives them new skills at the same time."

Finding a suitable candidate can be a challenge for any business and recruiting an IT apprentice for a rural business could have been difficult.

Fortunately for Convallis, just three miles away 21-year-old Ian Derbyshire was looking for an IT job.

Ian applied to Convallis after learning of the vacancy through Connexions and was pleased to be recruited.

Next Richard and Ian sat down with training provider Achievement Training to decide what units were applicable for the apprenticeship. Between them they selected the most suitable units both for the company and for Ian's individual development.

"We had a job description and recruited Ian, then got the training provider to build everything round him. It shows how flexible apprenticeships can be," added Elaine.

Ian is now working towards his ITQ diploma in IT user skills level 2 and enjoying his new role: "It is a job I wanted to do since I was 12 or 13. I moved here in June 2009 and did not expect to find a computing job.

"It's been very useful. There are things I didn't think I needed to know which have been quite helpful."

Ian uses an online training portal to submit his work electronically for the nine units he is taking. It also enables him to keep in touch with his assessor, ask questions if he needs help and keep track of his marks.

"As well as projects he undertakes during his daily work, Ian has one day a week set aside specifically for training.

"Ian's doing very well with his apprenticeship," added Elaine. "He is a wonderful addition to our business and helping us with our business growth. He has brought in skills that were missing."

When asked what advice she had for other small business considering taken on an apprentice, Elaine said: "Go ahead and do it. It's certainly worth it. It's a big step to take, but the benefits outweigh the risks."

For details see the website: convallissoftware.co.uk