New report: Most employers plan to maintain or increase number of apprentices they employ this year

Build the Future 2022 Apprenticeship Survey

Almost 9 in 10 employers plan to maintain or increase the number of apprentices they take on in the next 12 months, according to the results of a new survey of more than 600 employers in England.

The report, published by The Open University, in partnership with The 5% Club, highlights that employers recognise the value apprenticeships bring in terms of diversity.

In fact, 68% of organisations that employed apprentices felt that they make a big difference in supporting people from lower socio-economic groups in the workplace.
75% of those surveyed reported that apprenticeships are important to help people without degrees or with low prior attainment.
Almost half (46%) said that apprenticeships are important to support more people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds into the workforce or to progress their careers.
Almost 7 in 10 (69%) of employers are seeing the transformative impact taking an apprenticeship can have on the learner.

Commenting on findings, Viren Patel, Director of the Business Development Unit at The Open University said:

Our survey shows that employers are hugely positive about the diversity and inclusion benefits that apprenticeships bring to organisations. However, the survey also shines the light on the fact that not all employers have active plans to recruit from underrepresented groups in the workforce in the next year. Apprenticeships present a real opportunity for employers to look for hidden talent both inside and outside their organisation and provide the flexibility to unlock future talent.
Viren Patel
Director of the Business Development Unit, The Open University

Mark Cameron, CEO at The 5% Club highlights:

The 5% Club exists to promote positive employer action for increased, inclusive and accessible workplace learning for all, and we are delighted to partner up with The Open University to explore the insights and proposed employers’ next steps arising from this survey.

“The upcoming roundtable will bring to life action planning for success with a particular focus on genuine inclusion in recruiting practice. Improving access to training and employment opportunities for underrepresented groups is fundamental to addressing our national skills shortfalls, as well as reducing the high-levels of inequality in our society.
Mark Cameron OBE
Chief Executive, The 5% Club

Watch webinar with an expert panel discussing the findings.