As the Government’s newly-created Skills England highlights - poor public transport connections make it harder to attract workers.
Apprenticeships are a vital part of the UK’s workforce, offering young people an entry into various skilled trades and industries while benefiting employers through government-funded training. However, there are significant barriers to hiring and keeping apprentices, which is costing UK businesses billions every year.
The Labour government has established Skills England, a national body that aims to improve training and apprenticeship opportunities. But if the apprentices cannot travel to the job locations - what then?
One of the most practical solutions to these challenges is providing shuttle bus services for apprentices. This supports younger workers who do not drive or can’t afford to run their own car as well as businesses in rural or hard-to-reach areas.
The challenges facing businesses
There are several challenges facing companies that hire apprentices in the UK:
- Falling numbers
The number of new apprenticeships has been declining, particularly in young people and more deprived areas.
- Skills shortages
Skills shortages are a major issue in the UK, with 36% of all job vacancies due to a lack of skills.
- Apprenticeship starts in 2022/23
Government figures show that apprenticeship starts for 2022/2023 fell by 3% on the previous academic year.
Apprenticeship shortage: A threat to growth
The UK faces a severe shortage of skilled workers in many industries.
The "Trade Skills Index 2023" reveals that nearly 937,000 new workers will be needed over the next decade, with 244,000 needing to be qualified apprentices to fill the growing skills gap.
This shortage is fueled by several factors, such as an ageing workforce, Brexit's impact on the labour market, and rising costs.
Office for National Statistics data shows that car manufacturing saw the largest value increase in all UK manufacturing for the UK - contributing £53.3 billion in 2023, up by 22% from the previous year.
This growth indicates that there is an urgent demand for skilled apprentices to meet industry needs.
A recent study from BDO also revealed over one third of mid-size businesses in the UK are struggling to hire apprentices.
Skills shortages are a huge challenge for businesses - 24% say they cannot find people with the right skills due to the region they work in. In some areas, such as the North West and the North East, one in three businesses cite their location as a particular challenge.
Why reliable transport is the key to expanding business
One of the biggest barriers apprentices face is getting to work, particularly in areas with limited public transport.
Many apprentices work shift patterns outside of the standard 9-5 which can be challenging without reliable transport. A company shuttle bus service, either subsidised or paid for by the apprentices themselves, can address this issue by offering a dependable means of transport. This not only improves attendance and retention rates but also helps businesses fill vacancies more efficiently.
A dedicated shuttle bus service also allows businesses to draw from a wider talent pool, including those from rural or underserved areas. By reducing travel-related stress and costs, apprentices are more likely to stay with the company, helping businesses retain talent and reduce turnover rates.
Tackling labour shortages with apprenticeships
By investing in shuttle bus services for apprentices, businesses can actively contribute to reducing the labour shortages affecting the UK.
By making apprenticeships more accessible, businesses can ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers, preventing labour shortages from further impacting the economy.
By prioritising transport solutions, businesses not only support their apprentices but also take a proactive step toward securing the talent they need for long-term success.
