The UK apprenticeship landscape is a dynamic realm, shaped by government policies, economic forces, and technological leaps. As someone deeply involved in this field, I've witnessed firsthand the remarkable evolution of apprenticeships. In this piece, I'll share my insights on the key trends and potential areas of change in apprenticeships in 2025, with a focus on how training providers can adapt and thrive in this exciting landscape.
Apprenticeships have undergone significant transformations in recent years, particularly with the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in 2017 and the ongoing reforms. They continue to be a vital pathway for skills development and workforce entry, and we're seeing some notable trends emerge:
Shifting age demographics: We're seeing a broader range of ages represented in apprenticeships. The proportion of starts by apprentices over 24 has generally increased, demonstrating the appeal of apprenticeships for those seeking upskilling or reskilling opportunities.
Growth in higher apprenticeships: Higher apprenticeships, including degree apprenticeships, have experienced consistent growth in recent years, reflecting the increasing demand for higher-level skills in the job market.
These trends paint a clear picture: the apprenticeship landscape is changing. As someone working in a forward-thinking end-point assessment organisation, I'm particularly interested in how these trends will impact the way we assess apprentices and which standards will become more popular.
The growth in higher apprenticeships is a positive development. It shows that apprenticeships are not just for those entering the workforce; they're also a valuable pathway for those seeking to upskill or reskill. This trend is likely to continue, as the cost of traditional university education continues to rise.
Technology is also playing an increasingly important role in apprenticeships. Online learning platforms, virtual reality simulations, and other digital tools are transforming the way education and training are delivered. This presents exciting opportunities for training providers to enhance the learning experience and make apprenticeships even more engaging and effective.
Training providers have the chance to be more flexible in their delivery methods and support services to cater to a diverse range of apprentices. This allows them to better meet the needs and commitments of all learners.
As apprenticeships evolve, so too must end-point assessments (EPAs). EPAs need to be rigorous and relevant to ensure that apprentices are truly work-ready. Importantly, EPAs must also be seamless for apprentices, and easy for training providers to manage - these are crucial ingredients to success. I’m fortunate enough to experience this first-hand at Accelerate People, where we’re using technology to dramatically improve EPAs, giving far greater & more granular access to data, much faster turn-around times and overall transparency around the process… these ingredients support apprentices to perform at the best of their ability.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, I believe the following questions will be crucial for training providers:
How will the Apprenticeship Levy's transformation into a Growth and Skills Levy impact the demand for traditional apprenticeships?
What new apprenticeship standards will be needed to meet the demands of emerging industries?
How can training providers adapt to the changing needs of apprentices and employers?
What role will technology play in the future of apprenticeships?
I believe that apprenticeships will become an even more integral part of the UK's education and skills system. Training providers have a vital role to play in this evolution, driving innovation in apprenticeship design and delivery, and collaborating with employers and policymakers to ensure apprenticeships remain a valuable pathway for individuals and a driver of economic growth.
On top of the areas above, I'd like to emphasise the following:
The importance of collaboration: Training providers, employers, and end-point assessment organisations need to work together to ensure that apprenticeships are aligned with industry needs.
The value of feedback: Gathering feedback from apprentices and employers is crucial for continuous improvement.
The power of innovation: We need to be willing to embrace new approaches and technologies to make apprenticeships even more effective.
I'm excited about the future of apprenticeships. I believe that they have the potential to transform the UK workforce and drive economic growth. By working together, we can ensure that apprenticeships continue to be a success story for individuals, employers, and the nation as a whole.
George Eiloart is the Director of Partnerships as Accelerate People, a leading tech-enabled End Point Assessment organisation, working with some of the leading UK learning providers across 35+ standards. George started his career as an apprentice and has spent 9 years of his career working in education and assessment.