• Swindon & Wiltshire Education, training and skills
• Monday September 8 2025

New programme launched to plug West’s skills gap

A new programme has been launched to help tackle the skills gap for young people in West of England.

Earlier this year the government’s Apprenticeship Support & Knowledge (ASK) programme ended, leaving many young people without access to apprenticeship guidance.

Now the Western Training Provider Network (WTPN), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting education and skills — is stepping in with the launch of the Apprenticeships West Programme.

WTPN says the cancelation of ASK has come at a particularly challenging time:

• 37 per cent fewer apprenticeship starts for under-19s since 2016
• 54 per cent fewer entry-level opportunities at Levels 2 and 3
• Teachers, careers lead, and parents often lack the resources or training to provide in-depth guidance

“We know how overwhelming career choices can feel for young people and their families. At WTPN, we care deeply about ensuring every student — no matter their background — has access to clear, expert advice so they can take confident steps into their future,” said WTPN ‘s Vanessa Louise Boyce.

Launching in September, the Apprenticeships West Programme will partner with over 50 schools across the region to deliver:
• Engaging assemblies and workshops to raise awareness of apprenticeship options
• One-to-one guidance for students exploring pathways
• Support and training for teachers and careers leads
• Resources for parents to help them support informed choices

To make the programme sustainable and reach every school that needs help, WTPN is seeking to raise £75,000 over the next year.
By supporting Apprenticeships West, businesses, employers, and regional partners can play a vital role in:
• Equipping young people with knowledge, confidence, and skills
• Ensuring no student misses apprenticeship opportunities
• Strengthening the future workforce of the West of England

Matt Tudge, head of skills at Business West, said: “Employers across our region need talented young people to thrive, and young people need clear pathways into those opportunities.

“That is why Business West is proud to be a founding member of Apprenticeships West.

“This scheme will play a vital role in connecting businesses with the next generation of talent and strengthening the skills base our region depends on.”

Alex Richards, managing director at WTPN, added: “Apprenticeships West is about creating a lasting legacy of opportunity, creating a system that schools can use self-sufficiently in the future. We have seen first-hand how good careers guidance can be, and we are determined that no young person in our region is left without support just because national funding has ended.

“This is about giving schools, parents, and employers the tools to build a stronger, more connected skills system for the West of England.

“For employers who fund the program, its about showcasing their amazing opportunities and creating their supply chain of talent into the future, playing the longer game which is ultimately more sustainable and rewarding”

For details on becoming a funder or to learn more about the Apprenticeships West Programme, visit 
www.wtpn.org.uk/copy-of-apprenticeships-west-service

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