09.02.2026

Gi Group invests in development through apprenticeship opportunities

According to the latest report by the World Economic Forum, the Future of Jobs Report 2025, upskilling is the top workforce strategy for employers globally by 2030. Leading by example, Gi Group UK - one of the UK’s largest HR and recruitment specialists, is focusing on supporting its own teams to upskill and develop in 2026 through a combination of approaches which support apprenticeships across its business.

Kate Sands, Group Learning and Development Trainer at Gi Group UK (pictured above), who has worked in recruitment and HR for more than a decade, shares an insight into the business’ apprenticeship support: “We currently have 20 active apprenticeships on our books, one of which is a degree apprenticeship. The courses range from level two to level six across accounting & finance, HR, sales and digital and technological solutions. Identifying areas within our business that require more support is one of our key goals across the learning and development team – ensuring each member of the team is comfortable with their role expectations.”

Through the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy, Gi Group has £1.3 million in its pot currently and on average the business finds an apprenticeship costs around £4.5K - £5K from start to finish.

“Skills gaps remain at the centre of our internal learning and development initiatives, ensuring the team is supported with the knowledge and understanding to succeed.” Sands added. “Apprenticeships within our sector are particularly challenging as individuals have to manage the unpredictability of the current labour market alongside peak season in certain sectors such as logistics – so undertaking additional qualifications is a real commitment. Though apprenticeships don’t always lead to an instant reward or promotion, they are an excellent path to further, future growth.”

At the end of 2025, the Government announced its apprenticeship scheme expansion which could benefit 50,000 more young people, tackling youth unemployment. With a £725 million investment package of reforms to the apprenticeship system, it is designed to drive economic growth over the next three years. While the Government’s current focus is getting young people in to work, Kate emphasises that apprenticeships are not just for the young and that any employee at any level or stage of their career could benefit from an apprenticeship.

“Apprenticeships aren’t just for young people trying to get their foot in the door, they’re also about upskilling and investing in career progression.” Sands adds. “We’re looking to invest further in our offerings, providing incentives and additional structure to our scheme for all eligible Gi Group people, wherever they are in their career journey.”

Each employee across Gi Group is briefed on the businesses’ apprenticeship scheme when they are onboarded, and they can also access all the information on Gi Group’s eLearning platform and internal website at any time.

“Throughout the coming year we’re going to be honing our strategy and boosting our offerings further. Bridging skills gaps and providing formal training opportunities ensures our team is performing at the top of their game,” Sands adds. “In the UK, apprentices must spend a minimum of 20 per cent of their normal working hours on off-the-job training, which is a huge commitment for not only the individual completing the training, but also the wider team. However, the power of an apprenticeship programme should not be underestimated. I completed a Level 3 Recruitment Consultant apprenticeship a couple of years ago and the additional skills I took from the experience have supported me to this day.”

According to the latest Government figures, apprenticeship starts were up by 7.7 per cent to 142,780 in the 2025/ 26 academic year so far (August 2025 to October 2025), compared to 132,560 for the previous year. Higher apprenticeship starts increased by 15.1 per cent to 57,560 in the 2025/ 26 academic year so far (August 2025 to October 2025) when compared to the same period in 2024/25.

Rebecca Napier, IT Business Partner at Gi Group UK, is currently completing a degree apprenticeship in Digital and Technological Solutions, said: “I started my course in July 2024 and I’m due to finish in December 2027. The main focus for completing this qualification is to ensure I am up to speed on how digital solutions can help our candidates and support our internal team to continually develop.

“I’ve been focusing on AI to ensure we’re implementing the best practices across our teams. With any new skill or tool, learning is important for every role, and I truly believe you can never know too much when advancements are moving at such a pace. The job market is continually evolving so upskilling has become a necessity, and this is not just for tech-based roles anymore – all roles can benefit from upskilling programmes. My course has been an under-taking but I feel it has already been worth it. I’ve broadened my understanding and fully submerged myself in the world of tech which has already benefitted my role.”

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