300 new apprentices begin training - but many firms are still missing out

September sees many start on an apprenticeship journey that will lead to incredible careers and future-proof businesses for years to come. So why is it that so many businesses still don't get it?

Dear reader,

Welcome to Monday’s edition of The Raikes Journal.

Today we take a look at a route to work championed by almost every political party verbally, all agreeing it is one of the key elements to the UK solving its skills gap, yet the small print suggesting all of them are inconsistent at best.

Perversely, while more and more sectors appear to be embracing apprenticeships, a closer look reveals nationally the number of opportunities has been in decline until recently - but not in Gloucestershire.

Here, against the national trend, Gloucestershire College and its partner businesses have been delivering training ranging from Level 2 courses through to degree level, from construction to cyber, accountancy to engineering.

Only last year did the national picture change, and the numbers increase UK-wide.

Despite Gloucestershire appearing ahead of the curve, those delivering the training here are not standing still. They believe many, many businesses continue to miss out and that it’s poten…