Apprenticeship Week - APM calls for employers to use apprenticeship levy

APM is calling on businesses in England to use their apprenticeship levy to train and upskill staff for the better delivery of projects, following results of a survey carried out by YouGov.  

The survey of over 2600 project professionals, reveals that 47 per cent of respondents cited skills shortages and developing the talent pipeline as the most significant challenge to the profession over the next five years.   

Commenting ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (8-14 February), Jackie Martin, director of education and lifelong learning at APM, said: "Now more than ever, businesses and communities will be dependent on talented project professionals who can adapt to new challenges. We would urge employers to use available resources such as the apprentice levy on developing professional skills, for the long-term benefits of project delivery.

“As the chartered body for the project profession, we are committed to promoting and encouraging the better development and training, and apprenticeships are a fantastic way to both nurture and retain talent within an organisation.”

For those just starting out in their careers, and individuals and employers interested in apprenticeships, APM’s dedicated website pages offer advice, case studies and signposting for further advice.  APM also offers free membership to students and apprentices aged over 16, through which individuals can benefit from a range of online resources, networking opportunities and events.

Katie Houston, a project management apprentice with HS2 Ltd, spoke to APM about her apprenticeship and joining HS2 as an apprentice in the middle of a global pandemic.

Katie said, “After completing my A-levels, I knew that that learning on the job as an apprentice would suit me better.  I was attracted to HS2 because I knew I could play a part in building Europe’s largest infrastructure project.   I was also attracted to the legacy the project wants to leave, HS2 are investing in the skills now to build a workforce which will not only be able to deliver the project, but future infrastructure programmes too.”

“I started my apprenticeship remotely, which was extremely strange. Going from the classroom to being online all the time has been hard but with support I have become comfortable working from home. When I joined in September, HS2 were working efficiently and effectively and had adapted well to the remote environment. During our induction they really helped me, and the other apprentices get to grips with the new way of life!”

Visit here for more information about Katie’s apprenticeship at HS2.