Apprenticeships: building tomorrow’s workforce, today

READ TIME - 4 minute read

Before we dive in, I hope that you all had a lovely festive break and 2026 is treating you well so far.

As you will have noticed we have not yet moved this newsletter to its new platform as we are still testing it in the background to make sure it works…we hope to have moved it by the end of January. There is no action needed from you though, just continue enjoying it each week.

January is often a month of fresh starts, new plans and good intentions – and for employers, it’s also a perfect time to look honestly at workforce planning for the year ahead.

In recent years one issue has been impossible to ignore: the growing challenge around youth employment and early-career opportunities. Fewer young people are entering the workforce, and that has long-term consequences for skills, succession and sustainability. That’s why this first edition of It’s All About People for 2026 is all about apprenticeships.

Not just for large employers

Apprenticeships have changed significantly over the years, but many outdated assumptions still linger. We often hear:

· “They’re too complex”

· “They’re only for big organisations”

· “We don’t have the time or structure”

The reality is very different. When designed well, apprenticeships can be a practical, affordable and flexible way to:

· Grow your own talent

· Address skills gaps

· Improve retention and loyalty

· Strengthen workforce and succession planning

· Support social mobility and access to opportunity

For small and growing organisations in particular, apprenticeships can be a smart, long-term investment rather than a short-term recruitment fix.

Why this matters now

Recent research has highlighted a worrying slump in youth employment, with many young people struggling to access meaningful work and training opportunities. For employers, this creates a double challenge:

· A generation at risk of being left behind

· A future workforce pipeline that’s shrinking

Organisations that take action now – even in small, manageable steps – will be far better placed in the years ahead.

Join us: FREE invite to our Apprenticeships Unwrapped Lunch and learn

To help you cut through the noise, we’re hosting a January Lunch & Learn focused entirely on apprenticeships.

In this panel based session with 3 incredible guests, we’ll cover:

· What apprenticeships look like today

· Who they’re suitable for – and who they’re not

· How apprenticeships can work for SMEs

· Common myths and mistakes to avoid

· First steps if you’re considering apprenticeships in 2026

💡 And here’s the bonus: as a subscriber to It’s All About People, you can attend for free – a saving of £35 + VAT.

If apprenticeships are even on your radar for this year, this session will give you clarity, confidence and practical next steps.

Looking ahead

Throughout 2026, we’ll continue to explore practical ways employers can build strong, sustainable teams – from early-career talent through to experienced leaders.

If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover this year, just hit reply and let us know.

Best wishes,
Emma

P.S. Want to attend all next year’s events, including lunch and learns and HR Masterclasses (worth over £1000) for free? Become a Hub member and get your first month for free. HR Hub free for a month here.

P.P.S. All our events (lunch and learns, HR Masterclasses and HR Clinics) for 2026 are now planned and in the calendar. Take a look here and get booking your places. 

Events to join in the coming weeks

🎥 Free Webinar- Managing Sickness Absence - — understanding the real costs, reducing absenteeism, and preparing for the 2026 changes.

🎥 Free Webinar- Managing Conflict - recognising conflict, understanding the causes and how to manage conflict when it occurs.

🎥 Free Webinar on The Value of Values - how to make sure values truly add value to your organisation.

🎥 LinkedIn Live on Sexual Harassment Legislation and How to Be Complaint - Click on re-watch it.

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