In the rapidly evolving world of work, apprenticeships are more than training pathways - they are engines for skills development, social mobility and business growth. Two major national initiatives are now powering a step-change in how SMEs access, deliver and succeed with apprenticeships: Edge Foundation’s Apprenticeships Work campaign and the Education and Training Foundation’s SME Apprenticeship Essentials pilot programme, part of the Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) Programme, and launched during National Apprenticeship Week 2026. Supported by the University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC), one of the delivery partners of the DfE fully funded workforce development programme (that also includes the AoC, AELP and SDN Mesma Group) for everyone involved in delivering apprenticeships in England, this alignment offers SMEs confidence and capability to thrive in apprenticeship delivery.
Apprenticeships Work is a bold national effort designed to encourage more small businesses to take on apprentices. SMEs make up 99.8% of UK businesses, provide 60% of employment — yet employ 37% of apprentices. This disparity reveals untapped potential in the apprenticeship system. The campaign tackles the core barriers holding SMEs back, from administrative complexity to awareness gaps, and calls for systemic reforms that put SMEs and young talent front and centre. With a coalition of partners ranging from industry leaders to sector associations, Apprenticeships Work amplifies the benefits of apprenticeships,for business growth, workforce resilience, and tackling youth unemployment, with the message that apprenticeships work for both SMEs and apprentices. Complementing the campaign’s advocacy and awareness efforts, the Education and Training Foundation’s SME Apprenticeship Essentials pilot under the Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) Programme delivers practical, hands-on support for SMEs who are ready to go beyond curiosity and into action.
These fully funded eLearning courses are uniquely designed for those working with apprentices in SMEs, providing bite-sized tools and strategies that can be implemented immediately in the workplace. The suite of courses directly addresses the everyday challenges faced by SMEs, such as starting apprenticeships right, managing and supporting apprentices effectively, coaching and embedding a learning culture and supporting apprentices through assessment and progress. By equipping SME leaders, mentors and supervisors with confidence and competence, SME Apprenticeship Essentials can lead to sustainable apprenticeship success.
UVAC plays a central role in the AWD Programme’s success. As a key partner within the ETF consortium of delivery partners, UVAC brings its deep understanding of vocational and higher/degree apprenticeship delivery to the design and facilitation of continuing professional development (CPD). These CPD modules support high-quality apprenticeship experiences from curriculum design to effective integration of on- and off-the-job training. UVAC’s involvement ensures that the programme supports not only the skills organisations need but also fosters quality, relevance and long-term career progression for apprentices across sectors. Their expertise strengthens the overall purpose of apprenticeships, connecting companies of all sizes, universities, higher education institutions, employers, colleges and, training providers with research informed and practice based insights and solutions.
Together, these initiatives create a powerful, joined-up experience for SMEs and apprentices - raising awareness of apprenticeships as a strategic business investment, building practical capability to deliver high-quality apprenticeship experiences, supporting SME confidence and helping them retain talent and grow their businesses, and aligning industry needs with effective training, transforming sectors from within.
For smaller businesses that have already committed to creating apprenticeship opportunities, and for those on the cusp, this combination of advocacy plus practical support marks a turning point
Apprenticeships are easier to understand, more impactful to deliver, and more rewarding for employers and apprentices alike. Skills shortages and workforce challenges, at all levels of skill, are national-level issues but their solutions start at the business level. With Apprenticeships Work driving visibility and policy change, and SME Apprenticeship Essentials building real-world capability, SMEs are empowered to flourish, be supportive of individuals in work, can build meaningful, rewarding careers pathways.