Councils working with specialist training providers have reported clear increases in apprenticeship enrolments, helping to meet challenging national apprenticeship targets.
Realise – one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the UK – has experience working with numerous councils to successfully boost the number of apprentices across multiple sectors, as well as increasing retention and completion rates.
Councils have transformed their apprenticeship engagement for SMEs by drawing on Realise's expertise, helping local businesses build a stronger, more skilled workforce.
One apprenticeship lead at a local authority said: ‘Realise has been instrumental in boosting apprenticeship numbers across our area. Their practical, honest and collaborative approach has taken the stress out of the process for employers and the results speak for themselves.'
Many councils partner with local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to support workforce development and apprenticeship opportunities in their area, helping to address local skills shortages.
However, engaging SMEs with apprenticeships has historically been challenging for local authorities as smaller businesses often lack a dedicated HR or training function, so the administrative challenge of taking on apprentices is a deterrent.
Trainers such as Realise can ease the burden by partnering with councils and acting as the key point of contact for employers, simplifying processes and offering guidance on everything from funding rules to the different types of training opportunities.
SMEs are the backbone of the economy, making up 99% of all UK businesses, but their participation in apprenticeships has been in consistent decline over recent years.
The number of small employers - those with 0 to 49 staff and at least one apprentice – is consistently decreasing. SME participation dropped by 14% in 2022/23 compared to 2021/22, representing a missed opportunity for councils to develop local talent and meet targets.
Karen Matthews, Director of Business Skills Solutions at Realise, said: ‘SMEs want to train local people and grow their workforce, but many feel overwhelmed by the apprenticeship process. They need help to cut through the red tape.
‘There is confusion about legislation and funding, they have limited time, and often have a lack of confidence when navigating apprenticeship funding and processes.
‘Local authorities are asked to increase apprenticeship uptake amongst SMEs to help address the skills shortage – and partnering with a training provider has been shown to increase enrolments significantly.
‘When SMEs understand the benefits and have a trusted training partner by their side, they're far more likely to take on apprentices. This is how we can turn targets into real results for local economies.'
A recent report by the Edge Foundation found that nearly 70% of SMEs would be more likely to take on a young apprentice if they had access to tailored brokerage hands-on support.
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