27TH JAN 2025
Apprenticeships in 2025 and beyond: A Training Provider's Perspective
Gloucestershire’s 2024-2034 economic strategy envisions the county as a future hub for intelligence, security, and cyber agencies, as well as a centre for world-leading, sustainable businesses in advanced manufacturing, and green energy.
As we look towards 2025, apprenticeships remain at the heart of the UK’s skills and growth agenda, playing a vital role in preparing the workforce of tomorrow.
In this article, we’re reflecting on key areas shaping the local skills landscape and our approach to supporting these needs.
Green Skills in Construction
Gloucestershire’s commitment to a “Greener Gloucestershire” highlights the growing demand for professionals skilled in sustainable construction and retrofitting techniques. By 2030, one-third of local green jobs are expected to focus on low-carbon heating and energy efficiency.
Our £5.2m Sustainable Construction Centre in Cheltenham was built to meet this demand while encouraging school leavers, including those from deprived areas, to explore careers in construction. The 7,000 sq. ft. facility supports apprenticeships and offers T Levels, HNDs, and HTQs in areas like carpentry, plumbing, and property maintenance.
We’re embedding green skills throughout our curriculum, teaching apprentices sustainable construction methods, renewable energy systems such as solar PV and heat pumps, and eco-friendly technologies to help shape a workforce equipped for the green transition.
Professional Services: Upskilling for Resilience
By 2030, Gloucestershire faces a deficit of high-skilled workers, driven by an ageing population and growing demand for skilled roles. Apprenticeships in marketing, HR, accountancy, business administration, and leadership offer businesses an effective way to upskill their workforce with specialised and transferable skills.
Investing in professional development not only strengthens teams and supports succession planning but also builds resilience against economic uncertainty. Equipping employees with the latest industry knowledge ensures businesses can adapt to changing markets and remain competitive.
Digital Skills Agenda: Bridging the Gap
By 2050, Gloucestershire is set to be a leading hub for the UK’s intelligence, security, and cyber sectors. With the highest density of cyber businesses outside London, supported by GCHQ and the upcoming National Cyber Innovation Centre, demand for tech talent in programming, IT support, and cybersecurity is soaring.
Apprenticeships provide employers with the opportunity to develop in-house talent, meeting specific business needs while fostering growth. As the 2024 National Digital Training Provider of the Year, Gloucestershire College partners with many companies to offer apprenticeships in software development, IT support, digital solutions, and cybersecurity.
Our NCSC-provisionally-certified Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeship equips learners to address rising cybersecurity threats while contributing to the growth of the UK’s cyber sector. These programmes enable businesses to secure both their own future and the sector’s sustainability by building a highly skilled workforce.
Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing
The demand for skilled professionals in engineering and advanced manufacturing is projected to grow through 2030. Expanding training pathways—academic, vocational, and apprenticeship—is critical to meeting this need.
At Gloucestershire College, we offer Level 3, 4, and 6 Engineering apprenticeships, collaborating with leading regional companies and UWE Bristol. These partnerships ensure our industry-aligned curriculum provides high-quality training in state-of-the-art facilities.
Next Steps
Apprenticeships will remain a cornerstone of skills development in Gloucestershire, supporting sectors like construction, cyber, professional services and engineering. By delivering targeted training in these industries, we’re helping to build a sustainable, resilient workforce capable of meeting future challenges.
To learn how Gloucestershire College can help your business tap into apprenticeship opportunities, book a no-obligation consultation with our Business Development team.
