The Department for Education on how apprenticeships are building the workforce of tomorrow
Apprenticeships combine hands-on workplace training with study
National Apprenticeship Week returns from February 9-15, marking its 19th year of celebrating the power of apprenticeships to transform lives and strengthen industries across England. For the passenger transport sector, this week-long celebration offers a timely opportunity to spotlight how apprenticeships are helping to address skills shortages and build the next generation of transport professionals.
Why apprenticeships matter
The transport sector faces well-documented workforce challenges. An ageing workforce, evolving technology and the transition to zero-emission fleets all demand fresh talent with the right skills. Apprenticeships offer a proven solution: the chance to develop skilled, loyal employees who learn on the job while gaining recognised qualifications.
From bus and coach drivers to fleet engineers, customer service professionals to transport planners, apprenticeships are available across the full breadth of passenger transport roles. They range from intermediate level qualifications right through to degree-level programmes, meaning there’s a pathway for everyone, whether they’re school leavers, career changers, or existing staff looking to progress.
Apprenticeships combine hands-on workplace training with study, giving people the skills employers actually need. For young people and career changers alike, they offer a genuine alternative route to success – one where you earn while you learn and gain practical experience from day one.
What’s new for employers
Recent reforms have made apprenticeships more accessible and more attractive for transport operators. Foundation apprenticeships, launched last year, provide a new entry point for young people aged 16 to 21 who may not yet feel ready for a full apprenticeship programme. These Level 2 apprenticeships cover key sectors including engineering and manufacturing, offering a structured way to bring new talent into the industry.
Changes to English and maths requirements have removed barriers that previously held candidates back, while reforms to apprenticeship assessment are creating a system that works better for everyone – simpler, more flexible, and better aligned with workplace needs. Assessment will now take place at the right time and in the right setting, reducing delays and helping apprentices progress faster into skilled roles.
From this coming August, apprenticeship training will be fully funded for eligible 16 to 24-year-olds in small and medium-sized businesses. For smaller operators and contractors in the transport supply chain, this represents a significant opportunity to bring in young talent at minimal cost.
Employers are also exempt from paying National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25 who earn less than £50,270 a year, and financial incentives of up to £2,000 are available for taking on younger apprentices.
Building your future workforce
For passenger transport employers, apprenticeships offer more than just recruitment. They help address skills gaps, boost productivity, and develop motivated staff who understand your business from the ground up. Research consistently shows that apprentices tend to stay longer with employers who have invested in their development.
With the sector facing significant change, from decarbonisation to digital ticketing, developing a workforce with the right technical and customer service skills has never been more important. Apprenticeships provide a structured way to build that capability while ensuring new entrants are trained to your standards.
Figures show that apprenticeship starts were up by 4.1% to 353,500 in the 2024/25 academic year, with achievements increasing by 11.3%. Starts in Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies have seen increases compared to the previous year, reflecting growing employer confidence in the apprenticeship model.
Get involved
National Apprenticeship Week is the ideal moment to consider what apprenticeships could offer your organisation. Whether you’re looking to recruit new talent, upskill existing staff, or simply find out more about how the system works, support is available.
To search for apprenticeship vacancies or find out more about taking on apprentices, visit gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship. The National Careers Service also provides free, impartial advice for individuals exploring their options.
For transport operators looking to future-proof their workforce, apprenticeships represent a smart investment in both your business and the wider industry’s future.
To find training and employment schemes for your business, as well as support on how to implement these, visit: find-employer-schemes.education.gov.uk/
This story appears inside the latest issue of Passenger Transport.
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