22.08.2024

GCSE results and the future of skilled labour

Today is GCSE results day, Marius Stäcker, CEO at ToolTime, discusses how the day impacts the future availability of skilled labour and where small trade businesses can attract young people to the sector through apprenticeships, internships and entry-level positions.

GCSE results day influences the future availability of skilled labour. Results either encourage more young people to pursue apprenticeships and training in trade services, helping to address skills shortages and ensuring a steady influx of new talent, or steer them away from vocational paths, potentially leading to longer-term gaps in skilled labour and affecting the industry's growth and efficiency. With this in mind, now is the time to encourage more young people to enter the trades through apprenticeships, internships and entry-level jobs, achieving mutually beneficial results.

Whether an apprenticeship, internship or entry-level position, small trade businesses can offer school leavers the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on industry experience and training whilst still receiving a wage. This is an increasingly attractive option for many young people amidst the cost of living crisis and rising price of further education, making the traditional path to university less appealing than for earlier generations.

At the same time, bringing on an apprentice or intern allows businesses to tap this new generation of talent for themselves, adding greater value and adaptability than experienced employees, who are typically more difficult to mould the more established they are in their careers.

If your business doesn't already, consider setting up a government-supported apprenticeship or trainee programme, or simply create a job specification targeted towards school leavers. Mark up the weeks leading up to and following GCSE results day, and ensure your promotional efforts during this time are focused on highlighting the opportunities you offer for young talent.

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