Bridging the Skills Gap: How the North of England Can Engage Future Generations and Drive Social Mobility

Engaging and Influencing Future Generations: Navigating Skills Shortages in the North of England

The escalating skills shortages in the North of England present a pressing and urgent challenge. This issue is propelled by several factors, including decreasing birth rates, a drop in pupil numbers, the loss of European workers post-Brexit, and rising migrant salary thresholds. These trends demand immediate attention, not just to meet the current workforce needs but also to ensure long-term economic sustainability.

Like much of the North, the Yorkshire and Humber region is particularly vulnerable to these workforce challenges. With fewer young people entering the labour market, the importance of engaging and developing future generations has never been greater. This is where apprenticeships play a crucial and hopeful role—providing practical career pathways and fostering social mobility. I've been lucky enough to have worked with hundreds of apprentices, many of whom have excelled in technical industries like aviation because of the skills development we've provided them. These efforts address the current challenges and offer a beacon of hope for the future.

Apprenticeships also offer a solution to help offset the workforce losses from Europe. Collectively, we can strengthen industries suffering from talent shortages by actively developing talent within the UK and providing opportunities to those who may not have had traditional academic success. As an Apprenticeship and STEM Ambassador, I’ve seen firsthand how these initiatives can open doors and transform lives, particularly for underrepresented groups.

However, more than addressing immediate gaps is required. We must rethink how we present job opportunities in the North. Our employee value proposition (EVP) must emphasise competitive salaries, opportunities for career progression, mentorship, and personal growth. This is essential for attracting and retaining talent and ensuring we prevent a "brain drain" to other areas of the country or abroad. Doing so can build a future where the North remains a competitive and attractive workplace.

Being shortlisted as a Skills Champion Finalist at the Department for Education , National Apprenticeship Awards 2024 is a recognition of my commitment to addressing these workforce challenges. Beyond the honour, it highlights the ongoing need for organisations to expand their EVP strategies. It’s critical that businesses demonstrate a commitment to invest in skills growth, apprenticeships, and mentorship, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers for the long term.

The National Apprenticeship Awards 2024 also provide a platform to celebrate the success of apprenticeships and skills champions. But more than that, they are a powerful reminder of the collaboration required among businesses, schools, and governments. Each of us has a crucial role in creating a more resilient and robust workforce for the future.

In conclusion, while recognition from the National Apprenticeship Awards is an honour, the real reward comes from knowing that we are shaping a future where talent is nurtured, opportunities are open, and skills gaps are addressed. The North of England must lead the way in building this future, and each of us, as individuals, must actively invest in our skills and the skills of others for the long term.

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the future of Apprenticeships in the North?

Join the Yorkshire and Humber Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (YHAAN) and help inspire tomorrow's apprentices. Whether you’re an apprentice looking to share your journey or an employer wanting to champion apprenticeships in your industry, the YHAAN offers a platform to elevate your voice.

By volunteering, you'll have the opportunity to speak at schools, participate in career events, share your experiences online, and more—all while building your network, boosting your professional skills, and accessing fantastic development resources. Employer ambassadors will also have the chance to influence key stakeholders, raise awareness, and mentor others.

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