How the public sector can use apprenticeships strategically: Agnieszka Gajli

In 2018, YPO launched its apprenticeship framework to help public sector organisations optimise their use of apprenticeship levy funding.

Five years on, the framework has provided public sector organisations with access to a wide variety of apprenticeship standards through both local and national suppliers.

The framework was created to be flexible; it consistently evolves to ensure that the apprenticeship standards offered are in line with the ever-changing demands of the public sector.

We currently collaborate with 257 apprenticeship providers across the UK and always welcome new providers to join our framework.

We offer over 280 apprenticeship standards, ranging from policing to coding. Since its launch, the scheme has made over 1,030 apprenticeship standards compliantly available across public sector roles.

Although frameworks have helped public sector organisations access apprenticeships, there is an argument to say the scope of available training is currently not being utilised to its full potential.

‘Business Administration’ has remained one of the most popular apprenticeship standards since we launched the framework five years ago.

This training standard provides apprentices with valuable, but general skills and offers flexible additional capacity to public sector organisations.

As effective as ‘Business Administration’ is to employers in a relatively short-term capacity, it could be more beneficial longer-term to consider more specialised training that can address organisations strategic goals and risks related to talent and knowledge loss due to retirement, illnesses and overall talent shortages.

Social care services are under immense pressure across the UK, with resources and capacity creating significant strains.

Specialist apprenticeships could be used more widely to create a workforce that is able to help sustain and develop the social care system. A Registered Nurse Degree apprenticeship teaches individuals how to provide essential care for a range of complex needs, with training staff able to work in GP practices or hospitals. Adult Care Worker apprenticeships are also available.

Another way in which strategic apprenticeships could form part of a solution is in relation to net zero roadmaps, and efforts to decarbonise UK industries. In line with this, many public sector organisations are under pressure to develop effective strategies and solutions that will help them to achieve their own net zero objectives. This often requires specific knowledge and skills to effectively develop and implement strategies, and many businesses may be unaware that there are specialised apprenticeships that equip workers appropriately.

Those who complete these courses can then go into organisations of all sizes and functions to help achieve long-term sustainability targets.

Apprenticeships alone are not going to resolve all challenges facing the public sector, but if used strategically, they can be a valuable part of the solution.

Agnieszka Gajli is Strategic Procurement Manager at YPO