Almost Half of Adults Say Their Education Didn’t Prepare Them for Work
According to the City & Guilds “Productivity Report”, 48% of UK adults don’t believe their education prepared them for the job they do today.
For many, traditional education pathways failed to provide them with the skills, knowledge or behaviours required in the workplace.
This gap is particularly evident in technical and rapidly evolving sectors such as automotive repair, where ongoing advancements in materials, systems and technology demand a workforce equipped with practical, job-ready skills. In such environments, classroom learning alone is insufficient; structured, supported, on-the-job development is essential.
That’s where apprenticeships come in.
Apprenticeships combine real work with guided training, so skills are learned in the environment where they’re used. Employers benefit from developing individuals who are motivated, capable, and aligned with internal processes, culture, and standards from the outset. Far from being low-cost labour, apprenticeships represent a strategic approach to workforce development.
Why it works:
- 90% of apprentices move into a skilled job after completion.
- £1,000 government payment for hiring a 16–18-year-old.
- Training is funded and supported throughout the programme.
- Teams with apprentices see stronger retention, morale and future talent pipelines.
Most importantly, apprentices contribute to productivity from day one while embedding themselves into business operations and culture.
Apprenticeship Central provides specialist support to employers through its RECRUIT and RETAIN services, managing every stage of the apprenticeship journey, from attracting the right candidates to ensuring long-term success.
With the industry facing persistent skills shortages, apprenticeships continue to play a critical role in building sustainable, future-ready workforces.To find out more about how Apprenticeship Central supports employers across the vehicle repair sector, visit www.apprenticeship-central.co.uk or contact the team at [email protected].
