The government’s decision to restrict apprenticeships to those under 22 and cut funding for higher-level programmes is a step backward for lifelong learning and workforce development in the UK. In an age defined by AI and digital transformation, investing in apprenticeships and lifelong learning for all ages is vital. We need to empower workers, young and old alike, to upskill, reskill, and adapt to the changing job market if Britain is to remain competitive in the global economy.
Level 7 apprenticeships are used for training in a wide variety of roles, including accountants, tax advisors and solicitors, most of whom are already in work as well as some NHS advanced training and specialised qualifications.
This change to access to apprenticeships strikes me as particularly egregious at a time when we need to provide support and upskilling for those who want, or need, to switch career and change direction in middle age. I currently have CIPD mentee who moved from his role as a primary school teacher to an HR career in his late 50s.
Training and upskilling are key in a competitive job market and the UK needs to put more into investing in, not just young people, but all learners who want to improve, grow, and develop their careers.
The new world order
AI is changing the way we work and we need to power up in areas such as cloud computing, cyber-security, machine learning, and a whole range of new technologies that are evolving rapidly. Business and government need to focus on enabling British workers to build the AI skills needed to thrive in this environment and we must break down barriers to opportunity in order to unlock economic growth.
Democratising access to technological skills training is key to helping the UK exploit the potential of AI, boosting productivity, and ensuring the success of the UK’s digital economy. Building a workforce that can use digital technologies effectively is really important in promoting AI adoption and realizing the huge benefits for business and society that entails.
To do this we need to promote universal access to training and development initiatives that will enable our workforce to access the sort of technology solutions that larger businesses already enjoy. Ensuring the British workforce has the skills to work effectively with AI is imperative for driving economic growth.
We need to think differently about jobs and careers
There was a time when a job for life or indeed a career for life was the norm. I remember my father telling me to find a good employer to guarantee secure employment. Good advice at the time but, sadly, no longer fit for purpose.
We need to develop an agile workforce, one not only able to respond to changing market needs but one eager to learn new skills. This will necessitate a mindset that means that jobs and careers are no longer for life. We must prepare a workforce that expect to have more than ten jobs and perhaps two or three careers over their career lifetime (40 to 50 years!).
Enabling employee development and building a learning culture are crucial to thriving in the AI led world we face. We need to encourage workers to acquire and build on the skills that new technologies require. Young workers may have a headstart in the digital workplace but every manager reading this knows that they have a plethora of experienced and savvy workers with great people skills, social skills, customer service skills and business sense who could do so much more if they have the opportunity to learn.
Invest for success
I fear our politicians are living in the old world, failing to recognise what’s needed to create the new world. Investing in our workforce is about boosting financial returns, improving consistency, resilience, talent retention, employee loyalty, and building a talent pipeline that will allow British business to thrive in the long term.
