Apprenticeships combine practical experience and personalised coaching — and will be crucial for organisations to keep up with evolving skills gaps in 2025.
Last week at Multiverse, we were thrilled to host the Minister for Skills, Baroness Jacqui Smith, to discuss the future of apprenticeships and the role of AI. Baroness Smith met learners and alumni to hear their experiences of apprenticeships and what can be done to improve this crucial pathway even further.
“It’s been great to come to Multiverse and to meet some of the apprentices, who spoke to me about the opportunities that they found through apprenticeships,” said Baroness Smith.
Enhancing apprenticeships with technology
With the speed and scale at which skills gaps are emerging in the UK, it’s important to consider how technology can help to shape and deliver effective apprenticeship programmes. Baroness Smith joined CEO Euan Blair for a demonstration of how AI can enhance learning and improve outcomes.
“The world moves quickly, particularly in the area of technology, and we’ve got to make sure that apprenticeships are keeping up,” the Skills Minister reflected. “It’s been really great to see how it’s possible using technology here to personalise apprenticeships for both employers and for the learners, the apprentices, so they’re getting what they need, including support along the way.”
Apprenticeships for every age and every stage
Baroness Smith joined a roundtable to hear the experiences of apprentices, including their thoughts on how the format can evolve — particularly quickly enough to keep up with changes in technical skills.
One point of discussion was how to make apprenticeships suitable for every age and every stage — appealing to both experienced professionals and school leavers. The applied learning offered by apprenticeships delivers significant value for people starting their careers, but equally provides invaluable training for those further along their career journey, looking to reskill.
Some of the group used their apprenticeships to return to the workplace after a career break. Nadine, a Senior Analyst at Citi, applied to Citi's Reactivate Your Career programme and completed a Level 3 Data Technician apprenticeship with Multiverse after an 11-year career break to care full-time for a daughter with special needs. Through the programme, she’s upskilled in data analysis and technology, preparing her to succeed in the next phase of her career.
Others commented on the value of continuous learning: “I found it really heartening — and such a boost to my confidence — that you can still learn, whatever your age,” shared Shubhada Paranjape, Product Engineer at John Lewis Head Office.
Apprenticeships are designed to meet the needs of employers and individuals, which can vary significantly. The group explored ways to make programmes even more accessible by tailoring them to each individual and job role, such as through modular apprenticeships and shorter courses.
With the government exploring ways to introduce greater flexibility in apprenticeships through the Growth and Skills Levy, there may soon be more ways to shape personalised courses that deliver for employers and the wider economy.
The transformative power of apprenticeships
Apprenticeships in AI, data and tech skills can transform careers — and the roundtable attendees shared many positive experiences. As well as upskilling for their roles, several alumni have now established a habit of continuous learning, to futureproof their careers as technologies evolve.
The individual coaching provided during each apprenticeship was highlighted for providing support and advocacy. “My Multiverse coach really helped me with developing soft skills and confidence — it was so powerful to have a safe space to be honest and just say 'I'm struggling with this concept'", reflected Ryner Gold, Level 4 Software Engineering Alumni.
Given the benefits they had gained, the apprentices spoke to Baroness Smith about ways to increase the appetite for apprenticeships among learners and employers. Everyone agreed on the importance of challenging more traditional views around the relative merits of university and apprenticeships — and giving equal kudos to each route.
Engaging teachers and parents at the school stage, and employees and organisations at the professional stage, will help to improve the reputation of apprenticeships.
One former apprentice, Tasnem Chawdhry (Level 3 Data Technician Alumni) is using the confidence she gained during her course to speak with school leavers directly. "As an introvert, I could never have imagined myself stepping out of my comfort zone to connect with others,” she said. “Now, as a Multiverse ambassador, I visit my own school as well as other schools and colleges to inspire and encourage people to pursue apprenticeships.”
Solving skills gaps, fast-tracking careers
Apprenticeships are a powerful means of solving skills gaps for organisations and fast-tracking career growth for employees of all ages and stages. We’re grateful to Baroness Smith for joining us to discuss the future of apprenticeships and how the UK can continue to benefit from this valuable training.
Explore the proposed reforms to the Apprenticeship Levy and what the changes could mean for your business.
