In the first three quarters of the 2019/20 academic year, there were 275,900 apprenticeship starts. This was a drop of 13% from the same period in 2018/19, with around 43,000 fewer starts. Additionally, the number of apprentices under the age of 19 fell by 17% during this period with 14,600 fewer starts.

In 2017, 6% of employers reported that they had a skill-shortage vacancy with 22% of vacancies being hard to fill as a result. In total, there were 226,000 skill-shortage vacancies, up from 209,000 in 2015. Employers have seen a lack of digital skills, complex analytical skills and management and leadership skills which has been compounded by similar skills gaps in their current workforce.

In 2021, the budget announcements saw the apprenticeship sector receive a  £126 million boost for traineeships, the introduction of a new flexi-job scheme in England, and the development of a new approach to creative sector apprenticeships.

The Future of Apprenticeships event will provide policy insights and practical guidance into how organisations can adapt to new demands and methods of delivery stemming from the impacts of Covid-19. It will also explore how they can improve the quality and scope of apprenticeships to bridge the digital skills gap, develop structures to build lasting relationships with employers and training providers and understand the impact of Brexit and EFSA’s £58 billion package on apprenticeship funding.

Case studies from Central Government, Local Authorities, the NHS, and education providers will explore the best practices to promote the apprenticeship pathway to young people, improve the delivery of apprenticeships and training, bridge the skills gap and increase diversity and inclusivity.