Section 2: The Pace of Change
Apprenticeships and policy reforms offer new opportunities
The Apprenticeship Levy has been instrumental in shaping skills development across the UK, equipping businesses with critical capabilities in high-demand sectors. As organisations grapple with widening skills gaps and rapid workforce transformations, the need for resilience has never been greater. The promised reforms of the Growth and Skills Levy are becoming increasingly urgent to ensure the UK workforce can keep pace with the demands of the market.
The Levy’s impact is undeniable in areas like technology (80%), data (79%), and leadership (78%), where HR leaders report using it to address critical workforce needs.
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Technology
0%
Data
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Leadership
Degree-level apprenticeships are emerging as a vital tool in the talent strategy of UK businesses. They are leveraged by 81% of HR leaders to develop early career professionals and 77% use it as a key attraction strategy for new talent. However, challenges remain. Funding constraints and complex administration—reported by 64% of HR leaders—are limiting the expansion of these programmes.
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of HR leaders to develop early career professionals
0%
use it as a key attraction strategy for new talent
Jermaine Dallas, SAP | Digital Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship
Our research shows HR leaders are vocal in their calls for reform, advocating for:
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supporting funds for skills development in underserved regions
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calling for the inclusion of non-apprenticeship training, such as short courses
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urging increased support for critical sectors like digital, green jobs, and healthcare
0%
seeking guaranteed placements for apprentices to ensure workforce readiness
0%
advocating for longer, more robust apprenticeships to raise standards and improve outcomes
While 66% of HR leaders express optimism about upcoming reforms, concerns remain. A third is "very optimistic," but 23% doubt whether reforms will deliver on their promise, and 9% question their scalability.
As businesses await clarity on the Levy’s future, scepticism is growing about the speed and effectiveness of reforms. A lack of timely decisions risks undermining UK corporates’ ability to plan, invest, and address urgent workforce challenges.
0%
of HR leaders' express optimism about upcoming reforms
0%
doubt whether reforms will deliver on their promise
0%