Apprenticeship Schemes: The Key to Filling the Skills Gap

Apprenticeships are a vital driver of economic growth. Not only do they provide a crucial pathway into stable, well-paid work for young people, but they also help businesses thrive by building the skilled workforce our country depends on. 

Here in Newbury and West Berkshire, we are fortunate enough to have several organisations offering high-quality apprenticeship programmes.  

On a recent visit to Thatcham Motor Research’s Automotive Academy, I saw first-hand the impressive work being done to train the next generation of motor engineers. As the leading provider of automotive apprenticeships, they welcome more than 150 people onto their programme every year, equipping them with the technical expertise the sector urgently needs.  

Likewise, the British Gas Academy is providing essential routes into skilled, well-paid careers in the energy sector. Its Green Hub provides specialist training in energy efficiency, a crucial part of ensuring we meet Net Zero targets. 

Despite the success of these programmes, both sectors face severe skills shortages. Today, the average age of automotive technicians is 40, while in the energy sector it rises to 55. Without sustained action to increase apprenticeship uptake, this gap will only widen, with serious long-term consequences for growth. 

For too long, apprenticeships have been treated as a second-rate option for young people. In reality, they provide a stable and often life-changing alternative to traditional academic routes.  

With the UK projected to need an additional 950,000 skilled workers by 2030 to meet its Net Zero commitments, apprenticeship schemes must receive the investment and policy support needed to expand opportunity and protect our economy.