Building a stronger future through apprenticeships
Leaders in skills, education, and industry were brought together at the Satellite Applications Catapult in Harwell for the first Talent & Skills Connect Apprenticeship Focus event. Hosted by Innovate UK, the gathering was designed to energise the apprenticeship agenda, spark collaboration, and explore how the UK can better support apprentices as a critical part of its innovation and workforce development ecosystem.
Insights from Innovate UK’s Talent & Skills Connect Apprenticeship Focus event
Elevating the apprentice voice
The event opened with keynote provocations, including powerful testimony from Tyler Cowlishaw-Harvey, Founder of the Science Apprenticeship Forum, who highlighted both the value of apprenticeships and the ongoing challenges for apprentice-led organisations to remain sustainable and influential. Delegates responded with enthusiasm and solutions, emphasising shared responsibility, strategic partnerships, and the importance of embedding apprentices’ voices in policy and workforce planning.
Bridging education and industry
Dr Kate Barclay of the BioIndustry Association focused on aligning education and business needs. She outlined the complexity faced by SMEs in navigating apprenticeship systems and the disconnection between supply and demand. Delegates explored creative strategies such as shared cohorts, training agency models, and leveraging supply chains to make apprenticeships more accessible and streamlined.
Culture change and manager support
Ben Rowland, CEO of AELP, highlighted the need for a cultural shift in how organisations grow talent. A recurring theme was the importance of developing line managers as mentors and embedding supportive practices to attract and retain apprentices. Delegates discussed how organisations must not only provide opportunities but also foster environments where talent is nurtured and valued.
Making it simple, visible, and valuable
Discussions repeatedly returned to communication: demystifying apprenticeship routes, simplifying language, and creating parity with academic pathways. Delegates called for clear, consistent messaging and more active promotion of apprenticeship success stories in schools and communities.
A call to collective action
The day concluded with a collective commitment to action. From improving internal practices to joining networks like The 5% Club, attendees left energised to champion apprenticeships more boldly. A new LinkedIn group has since been launched to sustain the conversation and support ongoing collaboration within the Talent & Skills Connect community.
Conclusion
The Apprenticeship Focus event demonstrated that while challenges remain, momentum is growing. By working together—across sectors, systems, and roles—there is real opportunity to reshape apprenticeships into a more inclusive, accessible, and effective route to success for individuals and industry alike.
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