Scott Barclay works as part of Acas's Communications team. He is currently midway through his qualification and has recently worked on multiple articles for Acas's LinkedIn page.
My name is Scott and I am 9 months into an 18-month apprenticeship within the Acas Communications team. As an apprentice I'm considering available work opportunities and how the skills that I've picked up so far will support me in the future.
It so happens that the theme for National Apprenticeship Week this year is 'Skills for Life'. This is notable for its clear focus on reinforcing the idea that apprenticeships set up those that choose to do them for future success.
The Department for Education has chosen this theme to further emphasise the need for transferable skills. This is not only to benefit apprentices and the companies that operate them, but to strengthen the industries that are experiencing challenges as a direct result of lack of skilled employees here in the UK.
Apprenticeships are becoming more popular
According to the most recent findings published on GOV.UK, apprenticeships are becoming more popular generally across the board, at least in England. Data accumulated from August 2023 to July 2024 indicates a distinguishable upturn in most areas of apprenticeship related findings.
339,580 people started apprenticeships during this period, marking a 0.7% increase from the previous year's total. This is a positive trajectory, but it doesn't show the full picture or why apprenticeships are necessary for addressing the widely documented skills gap that continues to impact UK workforces.
What the 'skills gap' is
The term 'skills gap' is used to refer to the difference in workplace expectation and the results that can realistically be produced by staff.
Last year, the British Chambers of Commerce published research in partnership with the Open University with the aim of properly analysing the UK skills gap and what can be done to help close it.
Arguably, the most prominent finding mentioned in the document is that 62% of UK organisations are currently facing skills shortages. This directly affects organisations by:
- limiting potential growth
- upping costs across the board
- generally negatively influencing output
68% of organisations surveyed agree that the skills gap requires pre-existing staff to work extra hard to cover areas they don't necessarily know how to accurately manage. Productivity levels fall alongside staff morale and motivation. As a result, the UK is now falling behind in terms of business growth and prosperity when compared to all other G7 countries.
How apprentices help close the gap
So how do apprenticeships play a part in helping to bridge this gap? And what's in it for the apprentices themselves?
86% of those businesses surveyed by the British Chambers of Commerce committed to further increasing or at least retaining the number of apprentices they employ. Only 4% intend to decrease their numbers.
There's clear belief within UK businesses that running apprenticeships offers an evidenced pathway for growth. There are spaces within businesses that require training and mentoring, and apprenticeships offer this as a guarantee, as well as the possibility of growing permanent staffing numbers. The hope is to retain apprentices within the business in skilled roles or at the very least, strengthen the business's talent pipeline for the duration of the apprenticeship.
Studying alongside learning
The opportunity to study alongside learning on the job is an invaluable combination not really offered elsewhere. Apprenticeships border the gap between training and working by combining them to form a cohesive learning structure that further strengthens the company that hosts the apprentice.
Amongst all other benefits for the apprentice, the standout is clearly the opportunity to apply studied knowledge in real time while working alongside experienced colleagues.
Allowing apprentices to see the results of both successes and failures within a professional working environment is an invaluable service that defines apprenticeships.
My own position as a media apprentice with Acas has provided me with a flexible learning experience in an established media setting. This aligns well with my own professional career goals in the industry that I'm currently working and studying in as a direct result of my apprenticeship.
A good investment of time
Business success is hugely important for the landscape of industries generally. If the lack of skilled employees is not addressed, there will be less opportunities to grow as a company. However, the rush to fill skilled roles could prove detrimental as well, leading to employees finding themselves in roles that don't match their abilities.
Apprenticeships are typically run over 12 months but frequently go longer. It's an investment of time that businesses have historically shied away from. This shouldn't stop employers from considering alternatives such as shorter training courses as an option. These courses take the core elements of full apprenticeships and condense them down into the timeframe of a few weeks or months.
Benefits for employees and businesses
Apprenticeships and similar training programmes provide a dynamic framework that benefits both employees and businesses alike.
For employees, they offer a hands-on practical learning experience that blends theoretical knowledge with real-world application, allowing individuals to gain valuable skills, while earning a wage.
While businesses gain access to a pipeline of skilled talent tailored to their specific needs, reducing hiring costs, helping them stay competitive in their industries. This mutually-beneficial system cultivates growth, productivity, and long-term success for everyone involved.
If you're an employer taking on an apprentice, read our advice about employment rights for apprentices.