For decades, UK governments have promised major housebuilding initiatives, setting targets of 300,000 homes per year or, most recently, 1.5 million over five years. Yet time and again, these targets have been missed. While political debates focus on planning laws and infrastructure, one of the biggest issues remains unaddressed: a chronic skills shortage in the trades and essential public services needed to sustain a thriving economy.
Apprenticeships could be the key to solving this crisis, providing a win-win-win scenario for individuals, businesses, and the country. Yet a failure to promote them effectively has led to massive shortfalls in construction, nursing, policing, and teaching, forcing the UK to rely heavily on overseas recruitment instead of developing homegrown talent.
AI Can’t Build, Heal, or Protect
As artificial intelligence reshapes the job market, it’s clear that while AI can analyse data and automate tasks, it can’t install wiring, fit plumbing, build homes, care for patients, or enforce the law. Skilled trades, nursing, policing, and teaching rely on hands-on expertise, yet these professions face a severe lack of recruits.
For decades, apprenticeships have been undervalued, with young people steered toward university instead. 42% of graduates don’t secure jobs in their studied fields, while many apprentices not only gain employment but out-earn their graduate peers. Apprentices learn while they earn, finishing training with no student debt, real-world experience, and a clear career trajectory or even the skills to start their own business.
The Workforce and Skills Crisis
The UK government has long set a target of building 300,000 homes annually, yet this hasn’t been achieved since 1969-70, when 306,860 homes were built. Over the last 20 years, the UK has averaged fewer than 190,000 new homes per year, with the highest recent figure being 243,000 in 2019-20. This persistent shortfall highlights not just policy failures but also the lack of skilled workers needed to deliver these homes.
Beyond construction, nursing shortages are critical, police recruitment struggles to meet demand, and teacher retention is an ongoing crisis. Instead of investing in apprenticeships, the UK has become dependent on attracting overseas workers while facing rising unemployment and disengagement at home.
The failure to support apprenticeships has created two problems at once: a shortage of skilled workers and a growing perception of a “work-shy” population. This isn’t about politics—it’s about economic sustainability. We have the people—we’re just not giving them the right opportunities.
What Needs to Change?
To make apprenticeships a desirable option in construction, nursing, policing, and teaching, three key changes are needed:
1. Government Action:
- Better incentives for businesses and public sector institutions, including funding and tax breaks.
- Stronger partnerships between education providers and employers to ensure apprenticeships meet real-world needs.
- Improved career guidance in schools, positioning apprenticeships as equal to university.
2. Business and Public Sector Commitment:
- Employers must invest in structured apprenticeship schemes, recognising they are training future industry leaders.
- Businesses should work to change the narrative, promoting apprenticeships as a gateway to financial success and entrepreneurship.
3. Cultural Shift:
- Apprenticeships must be valued. Many tradespeople, nurses, police officers, and teachers earn more than graduates, with greater job security and career prospects.
- Schools, parents, and policymakers need to celebrate apprenticeships with the same enthusiasm as university placements.
A Win-Win-Win for Britain
If we get this right, the benefits are immense. Apprenticeships create:
– A more skilled, self-sufficient workforce.
– More homes built, more nurses trained, more police officers on the streets, and more teachers in classrooms.
– More young people entering stable, well-paying careers without student debt.
This isn’t a political issue—it’s an economic and social necessity. The UK cannot afford to continue undervaluing hands-on, practical skills. If we truly want to build Britain’s future, we must start by building a workforce that is skilled, empowered, and ready for the challenges ahead.
The apprenticeship opportunity is right in front of us. Now it’s time to take action.
Mike GreeneMike Greene, Entrepreneur, Leadership Mentor, and Philanthropist
https://mikegreene.co.uk/
Mike Greene is a visionary entrepreneur, mentor, and philanthropist with a track record in executive leadership, business growth, and social impact. With investments in over 30 startups, including Shazam and Chargemaster, he advises more than 40 UK businesses, helping entrepreneurs navigate their journeys. His media presence, including Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire, further highlights his influence, leading him to raise £100,000 for 100 charities in 100 days and dedicate a third of his time to philanthropy and mentorship.
As Founder and CEO of Global Research Business, Mike built a multi-million-pound enterprise before its rebranding as Lumina Intelligence. His expertise spans industries such as energy, retail, consumer goods, and finance, advising global corporations like BP, Tesco, Coca-Cola, and GSK. He also played a pivotal role in the Association of Convenience Stores as its youngest Chairman, supporting 33,500 UK retailers. Beyond business, he drives urban revitalisation through property development in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.
A passionate advocate for education and healthcare, Mike has championed initiatives like Peterborough University and Cambridgeshire Children’s Hospital. His adventurous spirit has seen him sail in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and summit Kilimanjaro and Annapurna. Recognized with an Honorary Doctorate in Education from Anglia Ruskin University and named among the most influential leaders in the grocery industry, he continues to inspire with his leadership and commitment to social good.