Empowering the Future: How Apprenticeships Drive Growth for Essex Businesses

In the bustling environment of Stansted Airport, 20-year-old Louis Barklem is nearing the completion of his advanced apprenticeship, set to earn a substantial £40,000 annually as a qualified technician. The airport, which is the UK’s fourth busiest, employs around 12,000 individuals and is anticipating significant investment of £1.1 billion over the next five years, highlighting the critical role apprentices play in its growth.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, airport director James Baker emphasized the necessity of attracting skilled workers to support the airport’s expansion. Apprenticeships not only provide practical skills but also assure career advancement opportunities for young people like Louis, who looks forward to a promising career ahead.

Stansted, like many large employers in Essex, contributes to an apprenticeship levy of 0.5% but has the option to invest this into developing apprentices within their organization. However, with over 98% of Essex businesses classified as small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and many not participating in the levy, concerns arise regarding access to apprenticeship resources. Denise Rossiter from the Essex Chambers of Commerce points out the need for reform to extend flexibility to non-levy employers, particularly micro businesses, to ensure that they too can foster talent.

Adrian Archer, managing director of a Harlow-based manufacturer, criticized the existing system for being fragmented. He faces challenges in securing new apprentices and collaborating effectively with local colleges. Although Harlow College has offered to assist in developing internship programs to nurture young talent, the disconnect remains a barrier. Inadequate communication and high recruitment costs lead SMEs to struggle in maintaining a skilled workforce. Each apprentice at Archer’s firm earns a £1,000 grant but securing a reliable pipeline of trained professionals proves difficult.

As the demand for skilled workers continues to rise, both large and smaller businesses in Essex advocate for a revamp of apprenticeship frameworks to create clearer pathways for engaging and training the younger generation, ultimately ensuring the region’s economic progress.