Apprenticeships need more than funding to unlock their full potential

Apprentices are often hailed as the answer to next-generation talent, bridging the skills gap and providing a pipeline of workers for the future, and so today’s announcement is welcomed – especially as it champions smaller businesses which are the backbone of the economy.

But while Karen Barnacle, Group People and Culture Director at The HEX Group, describes this as a positive move forward, she warns more concrete support – beyond financial donations – is still necessary: “Apprenticeships are at the heart of how we grow – not just as a business, but as a community. But we also understand the reality many SMEs face: while the intent to invest in young talent is there, the capacity to do so is often not. The infrastructure, support systems, and expertise needed to run a high-quality apprenticeship programme are significant – and that’s where good ideas risk falling short.”

In response to these challenges, The HEX Group launched its Managed Apprenticeship Scheme in 2024: a unique model where the business trains not only their own apprentices, but also those of other local manufacturing businesses. The HEX Group’s dedicated apprenticeship team handles all the associated time-consuming and admin-heavy tasks, from recruitment and training delivery to pastoral care and long-term development, freeing up SMEs to focus on giving young people great opportunities.

“We’ve seen the difference this makes”, says Karen. “Financial support is a great first step. But if we want apprenticeships to thrive, we need to match funding with hands-on, practical delivery models that genuinely meet the needs of both businesses and learners. We’d welcome a conversation with Royal Mail – and other large organisations committed to making a difference – to explore how we can turn good intentions into long term, lasting impact. Because when it comes to building a strong, skilled future workforce, collaboration is key.”