Public Sector Employers
The Public Sector skills challenge
A skilled workforce is vital for meeting the challenges of the global economy in the 21st century.
The Public Sector is no exception to this and, with many critical skills shortages and an ageing workforce, it faces serious skills and recruitment difficulties.
Apprenticeships are considered to be a proven way of dealing with both current and future workforce issues. They enable employers to attract high-quality recruits and improve the skills and productivity of existing employees.
Because of their success, the expansion of the Apprenticeships programme is a high priority for the Government; and over the past few years there has been a huge rise in the number and range of businesses offering Apprenticeships as a way of tackling their skills shortages – over 130,000 businesses cannot be wrong.
Yet, within the Public Sector an opportunity is being missed. The sector accounts for some 20 per cent of the national workforce, but employs less than 10 per cent of all apprentices.
Many more organisations could be taking advantage of the benefits that Apprenticeships bring, as a way of unlocking talent within their local communities and ensuring that they have a workforce equipped with the skills it needs for today and tomorrow.
The case for Apprenticeships
There are economic and social reasons for the Public Sector to employ Apprentices. They are a way of:
- developing the skills of local people;
- bringing young people into the workforce;
- involving the local community in the delivery of local services;
- training the organisation’s current workforce and growing the workforce of the future; and
- increasing staff morale, productivity and retention.
Apprenticeships are relevant to a whole range of organisations and roles within the Public Sector, including Local Government, the Armed Forces, the NHS, the Civil Service, the Criminal Justice sector and the Education sector (schools, colleges and universities).
Common myths »
Employer case studies »
If you are interested in finding out more about how Apprenticeships can help your business, then please complete our online enquiry form or alternatively ring us on 08000 150 600.
Last Updated: 06/08/2010