Agents of Change
Agents of Change - Supporting SMEs through apprenticeship brokerage services
The National Apprenticeship Hub Network (NAHN) brings together about 25 organisations that offer local brokerage services to engage mainly with SMEs. These hubs are locally-based brokerage services that are primarily managed and/ or funded by local and combined authorities that have evolved out of necessity to deliver local authority and labour market priorities. Across England they provide free and impartial information, advice and guidance to businesses, predominantly SMEs, to champion and stimulate the growth of apprenticeships in their local area (see our Agents of Change report, 2025).
Edge is conducting research to gain deeper insight into these local brokerage services (or apprenticeship hubs). We will be doing qualitative case studies of local brokerage hubs, by interviewing brokerage staff, employers, training providers as well as other stakeholders who interact with the services.
You can now read our first case study based on the Solent Growth Partnership.
The final research (coming in late 2026) will encompass all case studies and will reflect on similarities and differences, what works well and where there is room to extend the work of the hub. It will also reflect on internal and external levers and barriers to effective working.
