At the end of 2022, Youth MP Izzy Garbutt (Wigan and Leigh), stood up in the House of Commons calling for a ‘curriculum for life’. She wanted to see a curriculum that places less focus on the quadratic equation and more emphasis on life skills: how to complete a tax return, look after your mental health and execute valued skills in the workplace.

By the end of the year, ministers had taken steps to reduce or remove traineeship opportunities in a move that goes directly against what young people like Izzy are calling for. As the workforce crisis in the UK deepens and further education choices reduced, there is now a renewed need to make UK Apprenticeships a priority for education ministers as only remaining pathway to a skilled labour pool.

We know that Apprenticeships are a hugely valuable section of the UK workforce and will have a significant impact on British industry for decades to come, and for those in trade-based companies especially, they are essential to futureproof business.

Taking on an inexperienced entry-level candidate might feel like a lot of work but should be seen as a chance to give candidates the opportunity to grow and train as a specialist in the industry. For some employers, the funding and support to build an employee’s skill set to meet specific company standards or skills gaps is the ideal solution to staff recruitment and retention issues.

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