Apprenticeships Are THE Solution to the UK’s Skills Gap.

Apprenticeships Are THE Solution to the UK’s Skills Gap

Latest research finds that apprenticeships are the solution to the UK’s ever-growing skills gap, according to Britain’s professionals. Just in time for National Apprenticeship Week, the research reveals that more needs to be done by the government to tap into the skills of apprentices.

The news comes from a survey amongst over 2,000 UK employees to uncover attitudes toward apprentices in the workplace. The findings revealed:

• The overwhelming majority (81.2%) of UK workers believe apprentices are the key to filling the nation’s skills gap

• Yet a staggering 86.6% do not believe the government is providing enough funding to sustain apprenticeships

• In addition, 73.7% of professionals do not think the government is not doing enough to support apprentices themselves

• Overall respondents admit there is a general lack of awareness about available schemes. However, despite the promise of rebooting the nation’s labour market, only 14.5% of apprentices admit that government information contributed to their awareness of these schemes, and many (42.2%) found opportunities through their own research; suggesting the reason apprentice talent remains untapped comes down to a lack of awareness initiatives from the government.“Apprenticeships are extremely valuable for UK workers and employers – the skills acquired during these schemes can shape a career and also help tackle skills shortages in key sectors, such as engineering.“Ultimately, apprentices cannot begin to plug the skills gap until younger workers are educated on the value of apprenticeships and more is done to raise awareness and support. 
• While only 21% of respondents have done an apprenticeship themselves, 55.9% believe that doing one would have helped advance their career; further validating the need for government initiatives that raise awareness and support for apprenticeships in the UK.
• “However, it seems that this opportunity is being underutilised – while government funding is on its way via the apprenticeship levy, it’s clear that there is a broader issue at play. The data shows that not enough is being done by the government to raise awareness for apprenticeships and more support is needed for both businesses and apprentices themselves.
• Andrew Kunman CEO comments:
• The data shows that apprentices have what it takes to solve the UK’s skills shortage – in fact, 90.6% believe apprentices make a valuable contribution to the workforce.