On the Role of Apprenticeships in Inclusive Employment

Here at ThinkEDI, we partner with companies and organisations to foster inclusivity. But - we recognise that the journey to becoming a truly inclusive company is challenging. Frankly, achieving complete inclusivity will always be a work in progress, even at ThinkEDI! Nevertheless, we are committed to leading the way toward better, more inclusive and diverse employment.

This can start with building a supportive apprenticeship scheme.

With over 680,000 participating apprentices in the 2023-4 period alone, (over 270,000 starting 2023 alone) it’s clear that apprenticeships are not just an increasingly popularised way to career growth but also a bridge to greater equity in the workforce. Building a more inclusive workforce begins with accessible opportunities for everyone, and apprenticeships do just that - by providing income to apprentices while supporting study. They are suited to anyone, at any stage in their life.

However, in some businesses, apprentices have been exploited as a source of cheap labour. In 2022, the EDSK published a report showing that 47% of apprentices in the UK drop out before completing their course due to concerns regarding the quality of their training. This has to change. The remarkable power of apprenticeships to generate inclusive employment can only be realised through creating an apprenticeship scheme that actively supports and nurtures individuals.

Recently, we spoke to apprentice Lily, to learn more about how her marketing apprenticeship at WeGetDesign is paving the way for future apprenticeship frameworks and inclusive employment.