The UK is currently dealing with a candidate shortage more severe than any seen in the last 23 years. As a result, there is a lack of quality candidates to fill roles as the summer reaches its peak and our businesses begin to fully reopen in the wake of the latest lockdown.

There are numerous factors contributing to the current shortage, but what are the solutions?

In the midst of the first lockdown in 2020, the government launched the Kickstart Scheme. This scheme was put in place to utilise the talent of young people as we began to rebuild from the devastating effects of the pandemic.

The scheme is due to run until the end of 2021 and was designed to create more than 250,000 high-quality jobs while giving the youth key opportunities and creating skilled candidates.

This year, many companies are looking to promote apprenticeships to young people. The aim is to improve the delivery of apprenticeships and training as a way to bridge the skills gap. In response, the apprenticeship sector received a £126 million boost for traineeships and the introduction of a new flexi-job scheme.

The goal of this increase in budget is to attempt to facilitate an improvement in the quality and scope of apprenticeships. It also brings about a better understanding of the impact of Brexit and the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s (ESFA) £58 billion package for apprenticeship funding.

According to the National Apprenticeship Service, 86 percent of employers said that apprentices helped to fill the skills gap and develop relevant skills for their organisation. It has also become clear that recruiting apprentices has raised morale amongst staff, resulting in improved productivity and a decrease in staff turnover.

According to a government spokesperson in June: “Our multi-billion-pound plan for jobs, including the Kickstart scheme, is supporting employers across the country to create jobs and help jobseekers get the skills and experience needed to develop their careers and fulfil roles for years to come.”

It seems that apprenticeships could be vital in bridging the skills gaps and make a visible impact on the UK’s return to economic growth and prosperity.