Weekly Newsletter 06.02.2025

Plus, Leyland Trucks' new programme is shaping the future of automotive apprenticeships

Author

Rafe Houston
February 06, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Welcome to HRD: Apprenticeship Insights, your weekly guide to navigating the future of skills and workforce development.

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National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2025 is just around the corner (5–11 February)!

With the theme of ‘Skills for Life’, this year’s event will drive powerful discussions on the future of apprenticeships, employer engagement, and bridging the skills gap. But which topics are you most excited to explore next week? Cast your vote below!

🔥 Vote on the Top Apprenticeship Trend:

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📍 Events You Won’t Want to Miss:

🏆 Celebrating NAW with stories of success:

As always NAW is a fantastic chance to celebrate those who have made their way through Apprenticeships and sharing their story to inspire others all the way from training to EPA:

"The apprenticeship has opened my eyes to explore more, to question data and to figure out how to answer those questions in an easier way now that I have that foundational knowledge to expand upon. The shift in productivity it has given me has an impact on my role and ways of working; it’s made my life easier."

Nicholas O'Connor | Citi | Decoded

"Throughout the year, my coach provided expert guidance based on his experience, with feedback and time management strategies that helped me achieve my desired grade. The EPA was well-managed and the information provided was thorough but not overwhelming. I received my grade promptly, with insightful feedback on both my strengths and areas for improvement. I am delighted to have attained a distinction due to my hard work."

Hassan Ahmed | Cambridge Spark | EPA with Accelerate People

 APPRENTICESHIP STRATEGY

The year 2025 represents a pivotal moment for the UK's skills landscape, with government initiatives setting the stage for transformative change in the apprenticeship sector. Recent policies, such as the Industrial Strategy Green Paper and the English Devolution White Paper, have reinforced the importance of skills to economic success, creating a unique opportunity to refine strategies that cater to essential sectors like construction and healthcare.

Collaboration between government, educators, and industry leaders is essential to harness these policies effectively. The eight targeted growth sectors and proposed flexibility in the apprenticeship levy underscore the need for industry-specific skill development. This move away from a one-size-fits-all approach acknowledges the distinct workforce requirements across sectors, ensuring that investment in skills is tailored and impactful.

The integration of the National Careers Service and Jobcentre Plus into a single jobs and careers service aims to enhance the value proposition of apprenticeships. This endeavour requires a solid foundation of employer collaboration and a focus on career progression rather than mere job filling. To succeed, it must be perceived as a vital tool for nurturing a workforce capable of meeting future industry demands.

In the context of global shifts—ranging from climate change to technological evolution—the emphasis on strategic skills development becomes urgent. By cultivating a culture that perceives workforce development as an investment and collaborating with sector skills bodies, the UK can develop a forward-thinking, adaptable industry poised to capitalise on future opportunities.

APPRENTICESHIP STRATEGY

Umbrella Training advocates for apprenticeships in hospitality during National Apprenticeship Week. The benefits include supporting future talent, higher employee retention, fully funded training, and staff upskilling. Apprenticeships offer structured career paths and on-the-job experience, fostering loyalty and sustainability at no additional cost to businesses or apprentices.

WORK-BASED LEARNING

The National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW) is hosting its annual conference on March 6 at Cardiff City Stadium, concentrating on how apprenticeships can drive economic growth and innovation in Wales. With Agored Cymru as the primary sponsor, the conference will highlight the critical role apprenticeships play in developing a skilled workforce. Esteemed speakers, including Darren Howells from Agored Cymru and Welsh Government representatives, will discuss strategies to enhance apprenticeship programmes to meet the demands of the modern economy. The conference aims to emphasise the transformative power of apprenticeships in bridging skill gaps and fostering innovation.

Workshops led by industry bodies will offer insights into the impact of apprenticeships on career development. Current and former apprentices will share personal success stories, illustrating how practical skill acquisition has facilitated their professional growth. The event promises to be an informative platform, uniting stakeholders to explore how building a robust pipeline of talent from apprenticeships can secure Wales's economic future. Attendees are encouraged to utilise early booking discounts and join in this crucial discussion to maximise apprenticeships' impact on national economic growth.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMMES

Leyland Trucks has announced its largest degree-level apprenticeship scheme for 2025. With opportunities in Design Engineering, IT, and Supply Chain, 22 roles are available. The programme offers on-the-job training and competitive salaries, fostering future talent in both diesel and electric vehicle sectors, focusing on sustainability and skill development.

APPRENTICESHIP STRATEGY

Haman Manak's article articulates the pressing necessity to overhaul the UK's apprenticeship system to effectively tackle the skills gap. The Labour government's introduction of the Skills England initiative marks a significant proactive effort, yet the persistent decline in apprenticeship numbers reveals entrenched structural issues. Instituting a centralised 'VCAS' system to simplify application processes could substantially enhance programme access and completion rates, creating robust pathways for vocational training. A reconsideration of apprenticeship funding, through government-backed loans covering key expenses, could incentivise participation and address employer hesitance.

In the construction industry alone, forecasts indicate a requirement for 250,000 additional workers over five years, illustrating the broader challenge of skills shortages. The current fragmented system stymies the flow of young talent poised to integrate into the workforce. By optimising levy utilisation and cultivating transparent support frameworks, companies can boost engagement. Modernising the apprenticeship system is imperative for cultivating a skilled workforce, thereby strengthening UK businesses amid ongoing skills challenges.

HVAC TRAINING

Conex Bänninger is empowering UK apprentices with press-fit training, enhancing skills in modern pipe fitting. By partnering with colleges and holding events, they emphasise press-fit technology's speed and efficiency over traditional methods. Their B Press system ensures durable installations, supporting apprentices' career readiness in plumbing and heating.

APPRENTICESHIP STRATEGY

Apprenticeship data reveals a modest rise in starts, especially at advanced levels, underscoring financial stress within education. The fall in Level 7 apprenticeships hints at looming funding issues. Additionally, increasing numbers of learners with disabilities may challenge the financial sustainability of educational support systems, demanding strategic attention from industry leaders.

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