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FROM SKILLS GAP TO SKILLS EDGE: THE STRATEGIC VALUE OF APPRENTICESHIPS IN UK INDUSTRY

As of 2025, the UK’s technical skills gap is showingsigns of improvement—but it’s still a major concern for employers:

• 76% of UK employers report difficulty filling roles dueto a lack of skilled talent, down from 80% in 2024.

• The engineering and manufacturing sectors remain amongthe hardest hit, with persistent demand for technical and digital skills.

• 28% of employers are addressing the gap by upskillingor reskilling their current workforce, while 23% are expanding their talentpools and 21% are increasing wages to attract candidates.

• The SME Skills Horizon 2025 report highlights that manysmall and medium-sized enterprises are prioritizing investment in workforcedevelopment, especially in sectors like advanced manufacturing and greentechnologies.

Apprenticeships, especially in engineering andmanufacturing, are seen as a key part of the solution, from tradesapprenticeship to engineering degrees.

STEM Positive Disruptor introducing my special guest,Fiona McGarry on MIA Conversation, passionate about all things apprenticeship,engineering, manufacturing and increasing diversity within STEM.

Wow, what a powerful conversation with solutions thatcould really make a difference in bridging the skills gaps and help theindustry as a whole.

Please listen to our conversation in full.

 3 Key things I learnt:

1. The importance of educating parents on the value add oftechnical apprenticeship at level 2 and 3
2. The secondary school system needs a complete overhaul;the school system needs to provide an alternative education route that allowsyoung people who prefer a practical hand on learning experience to thrive.
3. Although we have more female engineers in the industry,retention is a problem, so the industry needs more male allies in the sector,to be that voice for that lone female when she's not in the room to say,actually, she deserves this opportunity and promotion.

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This platform is to Educate, Raise awareness, Demystifyand Change Perception about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering andMathematics) and make it more accessible to the public.

Show the diverse roles, the benefits and impact of STEMin our world.

#engineering #manufacturing #apprenticeship #diversityandinclusion#stem #education #womeninstem #womeninengineering #womeninmanufacturing #alternativeeducation