Hertfordshire is making bold strides in apprenticeship development, with over £507,500 in levy transfers already committed by Hertfordshire County Council for 2024/25 - ensuring vital funding stays local and directly benefits residents and businesses.

This growing investment reflects a county-wide commitment to building a skilled workforce and supporting inclusive career pathways.

Apprenticeship starts have risen to 5,880 in 2023/24, marking an 8% increase since 2021/22. Notably, starts by residents with disabilities have surged by 82%, highlighting progress in accessibility and opportunity across the region.

These achievements were celebrated at Hertfordshire Futures’ Apprenticeship Event, hosted in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire County Council. The event brought together national and local leaders to showcase how strengthened partnerships are transforming Hertfordshire’s skills landscape.

Sitting at the heart of this work, Hertfordshire Futures coordinates the county’s Apprenticeship Strategy through collaboration with key partners including:

• The Hertfordshire Apprenticeship Alliance – a coalition of public sector levy payers working to maximise local impact.
• The Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) – a national programme that improves careers education and employer engagement in schools, delivered locally by Hertfordshire Futures.
• Training providers such as the University of Hertfordshire, which offers high-quality apprenticeship programmes locally, with 85.2% of 2024/25 learners achieving qualifications and 88% earning a 1st or 2:1 degree.
• Amazing Apprenticeships – supporting awareness, engagement and employer collaboration.

Together, these partners are aligning apprenticeship provision with Hertfordshire’s growth sectors, from healthcare and engineering to digital and construction, helping employers fill skills gaps and future-proof their workforce.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of Hertfordshire Futures, said: “Apprenticeships are an invaluable tool in our arsenal to help fill local skills gaps, support small business growth and boost employment within critical sectors.

“They offer a vast range of benefits to learners, offering proven pathways to fulfilling careers for adults and young people alike, and the ability to upskill without a financial burden – all while aiding social mobility within disadvantaged groups.”

“From an employer’s perspective, apprentices bring commitment, enthusiasm and long-term loyalty, helping businesses to grow sustainably and develop talent from within.”

Employers: Support Local Skills Now

Despite this momentum, more employers, especially SMEs and those in growth sectors, are urgently needed to offer apprenticeship opportunities and help shape Hertfordshire’s future workforce.

Through its Hertfordshire Opportunities programme, Hertfordshire Futures offers tailored support to help employers make the most of apprenticeships, including:

• Guidance on Apprenticeship Levy use
• Connections to local training providers
• Support with recruitment, retention and training plans

To explore how your organisation can benefit from apprenticeships, visit the Employer Apprenticeship Hub on HOP or register to speak to a member of the Hertfordshire Futures Skills Team