What does the apprenticeships landscape in Gloucestershire look like and how can we all play our part in supporting it? This is the question I’ve been attempting to answer. In 2024, we carried out an apprenticeship and technical education review in Gloucestershire, bringing together employers and training providers to assess local provision. The findings gave us real food for thought. What became clear was that while employer interest in apprenticeships existed, it wasn’t converting into uptake. For many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the initial paperwork and complexity of the process often proved to be a barrier. Knowing the problem, however, is only part of the challenge; addressing it is another matter entirely.
This work was very much front of mind when, in March 2025, I attended the national Apprenticeship Ambassador Conference at the Kia Oval in London. It was inspiring to see apprentices and employers from across the country coming together to advocate for apprenticeships. One workshop, focused on engaging SMEs, particularly resonated with me. Hearing from Apprenticeships Norfolk, who provide targeted support to help SMEs navigate apprenticeships, highlighted a clear gap in our own county. Fortunately, we had already recognised that Gloucestershire lacked a similar offer. As a result, we planned an event focused on supporting SMEs to employ an apprentice. We brought together industry experts and partners to deliver an awareness session, targeted primarily at our Growth Hub navigators but also benefiting business advisers across the county.
The aim was to upskill them with the knowledge and confidence needed to guide SMEs through the apprenticeship process. To ensure this support extended beyond the event itself, we commissioned Hannah Hockley, Founder of The Apprenticeship Partner, to develop a practical resource. This was designed to give businesses clarity on their next steps - whether that meant sourcing funding, identifying the right apprenticeship standard, or finding a suitable training provider. My personal commitment to apprenticeships runs deep. I’m a double apprentice myself, having completed a Level 3 while serving with the Royal Corps of Signals in the British Army, and more recently a Level 6 in Career Guidance and Workforce Development.
Through my work with the Careers Hub, I’m fortunate to lead on projects linked to apprenticeships and technical education. Now, I want to take that a step further by becoming co-county lead for the South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network in Gloucestershire and Swindon/Wiltshire. Growing this network is vital. Apprentices need to be visible advocates for the breadth of opportunities available, and employers, particularly SMEs, need support to raise their profile. In Gloucestershire, over 70% of employers are SMEs, many without dedicated early careers or outreach teams. If we want young people to see apprenticeships as a real and viable option, we must help these businesses showcase the opportunities they offer.
Against this backdrop came the Government’s decision to cancel the ASK programme, which was designed to raise awareness of apprenticeships and technical routes in schools. We can’t replace ASK, but we do have a responsibility to step up. By working together, we can support SMEs, champion apprenticeships, and help young people access meaningful career pathways.
Written by
Rob Pickup
Enterprise Co-ordinator
Gloucestershire Careers Hub