How Apprenticeships Can Help Bridge the Skills Gap

In today’s employment climate, one challenge is cutting across nearly every industry: the skills gap.

With recent and ongoing events like COVID-19, Brexit, the cost-of-living crisis, and rising inflation contributing to economic uncertainty and disruption in the market, it’s no surprise that businesses are struggling to find talent.

But there is a solution, one that’s cost-effective, tailored to your needs, and focused on long-term growth: hiring an apprentice.

Understanding the skills gap in the UK workforce

Research published by the British Chambers of Commerce and The Open University in 2024 reveals the full extent of the UK’s skills shortage. A striking 62% of organisations agreed they faced skills shortages in 2024.

This growing challenge isn’t just a barrier to productivity—it’s actively holding businesses back. The impact of the skills gap stretches across all sectors, leading to:

• Rising costs
• Decreased quality in the work being delivered
• Stalled innovation and missed opportunities for growth

Even more concerning, 68% of employers report that the skills gap forces existing staff to take on unfamiliar responsibilities—tasks they’re not trained for—leading to burnout, lower productivity, and higher turnover.

Source: The Business Barometer, An analysis of the UK skills landscape.

Certain industries are feeling the impact more acutely than others. Sectors such as engineering, sales, healthcare, green energy, and education are experiencing some of the largest shortages.

Roles ranging from electricians, care workers, and software developers to renewable energy specialists and STEM teachers are in high demand, yet short supply. Without urgent action, these gaps risk widening further, putting even more strain on the UK economy and its future workforce.

Find out more about apprenticeship funding, national insurance relief and incentives here. 

How apprenticeships can help bridge the skills gap

So, is there a way to bridge the skills gap? Yes! By employing an apprentice.

Hiring an apprentice means bringing in someone who is motivated, eager to learn, and ready to grow within your business. Even better, you can tailor their training to target the specific skills your organisation is currently lacking—making them a long-term asset, not just a short-term hire.

86% of employers said that apprentices helped to develop relevant skills for the organisation and fill the skills gap. This makes apprenticeships a highly effective solution to the challenges businesses face when looking to improve their workforce.

Apprenticeships are also cost-effective. Apart from employment-related expenses such as wages, you may find that government funding can cover most training costs. Many businesses pay only a 5% contribution, which can be as little as £300 over several months. If you pay the Apprenticeship Levy, your contributions can fully fund training, making it even more accessible.

How Doncaster College can help with hiring an apprentice

At Doncaster College, we work with over 800 employers and support more than 1,300 apprentices every year. We are experts at matching businesses with the right candidates—individuals who are motivated, eager to learn, and ready to contribute.

Our apprenticeship services include:

• Apprentice recruitment: We help you find the perfect apprentice for your business needs.
• Training and support: Tailored training that targets the skills you need.
• Funding advice: Maximise the use of government funding and the Apprenticeship Levy.
• Ongoing support: We guide you through the entire apprenticeship process—from recruitment to training and beyond.

Ready to tackle your skill gaps?

So, if you or your business is currently facing a skill shortage and you want to hire an apprentice, contact us using the below form, and let’s get started on filling those gaps for you.

If you want more information about employing an apprentice or reading some testimonials from our employers, you can do so here.