Business Bulletin Issue Eight I February 2025
Welcome to our National Apprenticeship Week edition of Engage National Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the positive impact apprenticeships make to people, businesses and the wider economy. Apprenticeships offer a route for businesses like yourselves to harness new talent and a fresh perspective, providing you with a workforce that has the practical skills and qualifications you need today and in the future. On a local and national scale, apprenticeships are key to meeting skills priorities and that is why we are continuously evolving and growing our apprenticeship offer to include innovative programmes which meet the needs of our economy. In response to the ever-increasing demand for digital skills, we will be introducing brand-new digital skills apprenticeship programmes in 2025 which will ensure learners are able to embrace the digital world. Work is well underway to develop three new Degree Apprenticeships in Engineering, enabling apprentices to gain the skills to manage large-scale projects, integrate cutting-edge technologies and foster innovation.
Apprentices are also set to benefit from an 18% pay boost in April 2025, with the minimum hourly wage rising from £6.40 to £7.55 an hour. Based on this and the increased uptake in higher and degree-level apprenticeships, they are increasingly becoming the most popular training option for those wanting to gain in-demand skills that will guarantee them successful careers in their chosen industries. You will be able to hear from a number of our apprentices in this edition, including those who have been shortlisted for our Annual Apprenticeship Awards which will take place during National Apprenticeship Week. I also hope to see our employer partners and individuals at our Employer Breakfast during the week, which you can read more about on page 2. Chris Baker, Group Director of Apprenticeships, Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Work. Now is the perfect time to Earn. consider an Apprenticeship Learn. To find out more, call our friendly Apprenticeships Team on 01924 789469 or visit us at our next Open Event.
Develop industry-relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours Grow and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.