Weekly Newsletter 10.10.2024

CASE STUDY

The Inspiring Journey of Tina Parkhouse from Administration to Data Expertise

Organisations today are increasingly recognising the value of skilled data technicians. Accelerate People's recent success story with Tina Parkhouse, a graduate of their Data Technician apprenticeship programme, demonstrates how these initiatives can transform careers and deliver tangible benefits to businesses.

Key takeaways from Tina's success story:

⚡️ Apprenticeships offer a practical way to transition into new career paths

🚀 On-the-job learning accelerated skill acquisition, allowing immediate application of new knowledge to real-world challenges.

💡 The apprenticeship model proved effective in cultivating in-house talent aligned with specific business needs.

Discover how data technician apprenticeships can drive your organisation's data capabilities forward.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

Lifetime Training's Strategic Recovery and Future Growth Plans

David Smith, CEO of Lifetime Training, has successfully led the company through a challenging period, improving its Ofsted rating and clearing £100 million of debt. His leadership has stabilised the company financially, allowing it to explore new training markets, including digital skills and wellness, in response to Labour's proposed levy reforms.

Smith emphasises the need for government policy updates, particularly regarding outdated funding rules and eligibility criteria for apprenticeships. He advocates for a clearer, more flexible approach to training, urging employers not to halt staff development. Lifetime Training aims to maintain its apprenticeship numbers while expanding into commercial training and other growth areas, ensuring a strong future direction.

BUSINESS NEWS

Employers Boost Apprenticeships Amid Skills Initiative Concerns

UK employers are increasingly investing in apprenticeships due to a lack of confidence in Labour's skills initiatives. Research by O'Reilly reveals that 39% of employers find higher education only somewhat adequate for preparing new talent, with 12% finding it inadequate. The digital skills gap is costing the UK economy £63 billion annually, prompting employers to take action.

More than a quarter of UK employers have increased spending on apprenticeship schemes by up to 180%. Key areas of focus include AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data analysis. Despite this, recruitment spending remains higher than investment in learning and development (L&D) for existing staff. Employers recognise the importance of on-the-job digital learning, emphasising its role in enhancing workforce skills and productivity.

SKILLS & APPRENTICESHIPS

Evolving Apprenticeship Standards to Meet Workforce Needs

The evolution of apprenticeship standards is crucial to meet the dynamic needs of employers and the workforce. By integrating workforce data, these standards can adapt to emerging trends and skill shortages, ensuring apprentices are well-prepared for future challenges. Collaboration with industry bodies and educational providers has been key in designing relevant training programmes.

Understanding employer needs is essential for maintaining the relevance of apprenticeship standards. Direct feedback from employers ensures that training is practical and aligned with workplace demands. Initiatives like the dry-only pathway for Leisure Team Member apprenticeships and collaborative efforts by organisations like Coach Core exemplify how innovation and employer engagement can enhance apprenticeship opportunities, benefiting both businesses and apprentices.

EDUCATION AND CAREERS

Apprenticeships Key to Youth Opportunities in Peterborough

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes emphasises the importance of apprenticeships in enhancing opportunities for young people. He highlights the need to balance university education with technical training, advocating for improved careers guidance and dedicated careers teachers in schools. Pakes' role as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships aims to foster collaboration between businesses and education providers.

Pakes praises local companies like Caterpillar and Marks and Spencer for their commitment to training and apprenticeships. He notes the decline in apprenticeship starts over the past decade and stresses the importance of partnerships between public and private sectors to develop opportunities for the next generation. Peterborough's industrial heritage and dedicated education providers are seen as key assets in this endeavour.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

UK Government Overhauls Apprenticeships to Address Skills Gaps

The UK Government, through Skills England, has identified significant skills gaps, particularly in critical minerals and clean energy sectors. This aligns with the mission to establish Britain as a clean energy superpower. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has initiated the Office for Clean Energy Jobs to address these needs.

A new growth and skills levy will replace the existing apprenticeship levy, introducing foundation apprenticeships. This change aims to provide young people with career pathways in critical sectors, offering flexibility with shorter apprenticeships. Employers are encouraged to invest more in training younger workers, addressing the decline in employer investment over the past decade.

Skills England will play a pivotal role in determining training eligibility for the expanded levy, with a focus on high-demand sectors like health, social care, education, manufacturing, and science and technology.