APPRENTICESHIPS
Building a skills system that works for employers
Simpler, faster and more flexible training
Skills reform is reshaping apprenticeships, training and workforce planning across the UK. Gemma Marsh, Deputy Chief Executive of Skills England, explains why change is urgent and what the new system means for employers and young people …
Gemma Marsh courses funded through the Growth and Skills Levy. The first wave, often referred to as apprenticeship units, will be available in critical skills areas such as digital, AI, and engineering, with further waves to follow.
We’ ve also introduced shorter-duration apprenticeships. Where appropriate, training for these can now be completed in eight months rather than the previous 12-month minimum.
Q. SKILLS REFORM HAS BEEN A MAJOR FOCUS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OVER THE PAST YEAR. FROM SKILLS ENGLAND’ S PERSPECTIVE, WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES THE CURRENT SYSTEM IS TRYING TO ADDRESS, AND WHY IS REFORM SO URGENT NOW?
A. Apprenticeship starts amongst young people have fallen by 40 % over the last decade. The reforms are shifting the focus towards supporting young people into high-quality training and employment.
Another problem we’ re tackling is that the system is often overly complex and overwhelming for employers, particularly SMEs. Employer investment in training per employee fell by nearly 30 % from 2011 to 2024. Yet a third of job vacancies are driven by skills shortages, so we know the need is there.
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Through the Growth and Skills Levy, we are introducing foundation apprenticeships, shorter-duration apprenticeships and new short courses, building greater flexibility into how training is delivered and helping to strengthen the domestic skills pipeline.
Our analysis indicates that employment demand across priority occupations is expected to increase substantially by 2030. Rapid technological change- particularly in AI and digitalisation- is transforming job roles and skill requirements at pace. Without continued reform, skills shortages will constrain productivity, growth and access to opportunity.
Q. HOW IS SKILLS ENGLAND MAKING IT EASIER FOR BUSINESSES, PARTICULARLY SMES, TO ENGAGE?
A. From April, all employers, including SMEs, will be able to access new short
English and maths requirements have been made more flexible for adult apprentices, and we’ re introducing changes to make apprenticeship assessments more efficient.
Q. WHAT DO THESE CHANGES MEAN IN PRACTICAL TERMS FOR EMPLOYERS WHO NEED TO BUILD SKILLS QUICKLY?
A. There’ s more investment. Through the Budget, the Chancellor announced a further £ 725 million across the spending review period for the growth and skills offer. This included fully funding SME apprenticeships for eligible people aged 16 to 24.
A good example of the reduction in duration for apprenticeships working in practice, is the production assistant apprenticeship, which was brought up to date last August for the creative industries. Many workers are employed by SMEs and often trained through commissions lasting less than a year.
Q. SKILLS NEEDS VARY WIDELY BY SECTOR AND GEOGRAPHY. HOW DOES SKILLS ENGLAND ENSURE THE SYSTEM REMAINS FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO REFLECT LOCAL AND REGIONAL LABOUR MARKET NEEDS?