Apprenticeship starts insufficient in Greater Manchester’s key growth sectors, finds Chamber of Commerce report

The numbers of apprenticeship starts in key sectors of the Greater Manchester economy are not sufficient to bridge skills gaps, according to findings of a new report published by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC).

The analysis, conducted as part of the Chamber’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), found apprenticeship starts for in-demand skills in across the construction, engineering and manufacturing, health and social care, and digital sectors were falling short of the numbers needed to meet demand for skills for businesses.

Areas such as retrofitting, heat pump installation, electrical and mechanical engineering and steel trades such as welding do not currently have enough apprentices on programmes to meet demand, according to the data from the academic year 2022/23. In the digital sectors, the GMCC report also found the number of apprentices starting courses covering AI and cybersecurity was also deemed insufficient.

Commenting on the findings, released during National Apprenticeship Week 2024, Chris Fletcher, Policy Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The analysis conducted on apprenticeship starts for the academic year 2022/3 clearly shows that, in some areas, there is a discrepancy between the number of learners currently on apprenticeship programmes, and the individuals needed by employers with those specific skills.  Employers have told us throughout our research for the Greater Manchester Local Skills Improvement Plan that there are skills gaps specific to their industry where there are not enough people coming through, such as: welding, people with retrofit skills, AI and cybersecurity, and electrical and mechanical engineering technicians. It is positive, however, to see that apprenticeships relating to nursing and care work are getting good levels of take up, particularly as these roles are regularly in high demand.

“As part of our role as the designated Employer Representative Body delivering and developing the LSIP on behalf of the Department for Education, we have highlighted this data and put recommendations in place so that training providers can deliver more courses where they are needed, but we also encourage employers to contact their local colleges and training providers to discuss their skills needs and talk through the skills that they’re missing. We have worked with many colleges and skills providers so far on the LSIP project and all are open to a direct dialogue with businesses to ensure new learners and existing employees have the skills they need to grow as individuals and help our business community flourish.”