In the ever-evolving world of engineering, the benefits of hiring an apprentice are numerous. Especially in an increasingly competitive market where retaining and recruiting skilled employees is proving to be a challenge for many organisations, and where the subject of the aging engineering workforce and resulting skills gap is currently being debated at length by industry leaders around the UK.
By investing in future engineers today and maximising on the value of apprenticeships, the industry can start to address the challenges facing the sector and tap into the vast potential which comes from investing in talent.
The facts behind the engineering workforce dilemma
A 2024 Workforce Census conducted by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board1 found that 71% of employers were experiencing challenges when recruiting workers with 55% reporting that their main struggle was due to the lack of skills and qualifications of potential employees.
In 2019, ECITB data predicted that 91,000 engineers and 29,000 engineering technicians in today’s workforce are expected to have either retired or be close to retiring by 2026 – just under one fifth of the entire engineering workforce2, further widening the skills gap.
Addressing this challenge is daunting and many businesses are uncertain about where to begin. But by maximising on the value and skills that apprentices can bring to a business, the engineering sector can adapt and create a competent workforce that is future-proof.
Understanding the benefits of hiring an apprentice to bridge the ongoing skills gap
Data released by the Department of education shows that so far in the 2024/25 academic year apprenticeship starts were up by 2.0% to 284,190 compared to the previous year3, highlighting the growing role apprenticeships play in addressing the skills gap within businesses.
The reasons for this are numerous…
Apprenticeships offer a practical solution for identifying and addressing both current and future skills gaps by tailoring training to the specific needs of the business. This hands-on, industry-aligned training ensures that apprentices develop the technical skills required to meet evolving demands in fields such as CAD, machining, automation, and electrical systems – skills that are often scarce in the job market. As a result, apprentices quickly become valuable, productive members of the team.
What’s more, with rapid technological advancements in areas like robotics, additive manufacturing, and digital systems, apprenticeships provide an opportunity to train workers on the latest tools and technologies, helping businesses remain competitive and compliant with ever-evolving industry standards and regulations.
Apprenticeships also offer a strategic solution to the challenge of an aging workforce. As experienced engineers near retirement, apprentices can learn directly from them, preserving essential knowledge and ensuring continuity within the organisation. This transfer of expertise helps safeguard institutional knowledge, ensuring that the company doesn’t lose critical insights as veteran employees retire.
Beyond filling immediate gaps, apprenticeships also offer long-term benefits. By investing in the development of apprentices, companies not only reduce recruitment costs but also improve employee retention. Apprentices tend to remain loyal to companies that have invested in their growth with statistics showing that 61% of apprentices remain employed with the same firm after five years4.
New skills and a new mindset
Passionate, malleable and innovative – these are the traits that apprentices can bring to the table, and they are exactly what can enrich your company culture.
Apprentices bring a fresh energy and mindset to the workplace. Their passion for learning, adaptability and innovative thinking can help create a dynamic and forward-thinking environment. This cultural shift not only helps your team stay engaged but also fosters a workplace where creativity thrives and new ideas are always encouraged.
The value of apprenticeships
Many companies report a return on investment from apprentices. Enginuity, a charity dedicated to closing the skills gap in UK engineering and manufacturing, states that: ‘On average in the UK, the estimated yearly gain for employers is between £2,500 and £18,000 per apprentice during their training period. Apprentice outputs are estimated to increase further once the apprentice completes their training and remains with the employer.’5
Financial support
Apprenticeships can be a cost-effective means of workforce development, often supported by government funding or levy schemes. For example, the Apprenticeship Levy offers UK employers a valuable opportunity to fund skills development and build future-ready teams.
For more information on the Levy and who can access it, as well as sector-specific rules, please visit GOV.UK. You can also read more about the Apprenticeship Levy and how to optimise on the benefits in our blog: here.
Employing an apprentice vs. investing in staff development – which do you choose?
While both training and apprenticeships play a vital role in strengthening engineering businesses, apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to invest in long-term workforce development.
And why choose? It’s a common misconception that apprenticeships are only for school leavers or new starters – they are just as valuable for existing employees looking to upskill, retrain or take on new responsibilities.
Employers who embrace apprenticeships whether for new talent or existing staff report improved productivity, service quality, team morale, and fresh thinking across the organisation. In fact, employers who have an established apprenticeship programme reported that productivity in their workplace had improved by 76%6. Most importantly, they build a more diverse and resilient workforce that’s ready to meet industry challenges head-on, including the impact of an ageing workforce and future skills shortages.
In short, apprenticeships aren’t just a training option – they are a strategic investment in your people, your processes and your long-term success.
Choosing a training provider
Choosing the right training provider is key to unlocking the full value of apprenticeships. At Train’d Up, we act as a true training partner – aligning with your business goals, sourcing the right candidates, and delivering tailored, flexible learning solutions that meet your operational needs.
Our experienced engineering tutors provide real-world insights and hands-on guidance, ensuring your apprentices gain the skills and confidence to make an immediate impact. With our hybrid training model and dedicated support, we help your business grow while building a workforce that’s ready for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
The Train’d Up solution is one trusted by engineering businesses across the country and we’re proud to be ranked second among 133 large apprenticeship providers nationwide, supported by our 99.9% pass rate, 90.2% achievement rate, and 90.6% retention rate.
Contact our team of experts to learn more about how we can help your business recruit, train, and retain apprentices.
Sources:
1 Fantini, A.B. and Balam de Leon, X. (January 2025) ‘2024 Workforce Census Overview of the Engineering Construction Industry’, ECITB. The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board. Available at: https://www.ecitb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ECITB-Workforce-Census-2024-Report.pdf (Accessed: July 2025).
2 THE ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Labour Market Outlook (2019) ECITB. Available at: https://www.ecitb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LMI-2019_LabourMarketOutlook-1.pdf (Accessed: 07 July 2025).
3 Apprenticeships, academic year 2024/25 (2025) GOV.UK. Available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/apprenticeships/2024-25 (Accessed: August 2025).
4 What is the retention rate for graduates and apprentices? (2023) ISE. Available at: https://ise.org.uk/knowledge/insights/374/what_is_the_retention_rate_for_graduates_and_apprentices (Accessed: 07 July 2025).
5 Unlocking the value of apprenticeships for engineering and manufacturing SMEs (2024) Enginuity. Available at: https://enginuity.org/news-and-views/unlocking-the-value-of-apprenticeships-for-engineering-and-manufacturing-smes (Accessed: 10 July 2025).
6 Employer guide to apprenticeships – gov.uk (2018) GOV.UK. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/800059/Employer_guide_to_apprenticeships.pdf (Accessed: 08 July 2025).