Take 5: Phil Smith CBE, Chair Skills England, Episode 5: Apprenticeships as a Strategic Business Investment

Take 5: Phil Smith CBE, Chair Skills England, Episode 5: Apprenticeships as a Strategic Business Investment

In this Episode, Lindsay Conroy and Phil Smith are joined by Sharon Blyfield OBE (Coca-Cola Europacific Partners) and Jon Hornagold (Amey) to discuss how apprenticeships have become a core element of long-term workforce planning rather than simply a recruitment initiative. Drawing on the experience of two major employers, the discussion demonstrates how apprenticeships help address future skills shortages, improve succession planning, and build organisational resilience. Both organisations emphasise that successful programmes are driven by strategic planning, strong leadership support and investment in line managers and apprentice communities. They highlight consistently high retention rates, clear progression into permanent and senior roles, and the positive impact apprentices have on culture, innovation, and productivity. The conversation also explores the importance of widening access through schools, community organisations and partnerships that encourage applications from underrepresented groups. Engaging parents and showcasing successful apprentices as ambassadors are identified as effective ways of changing perceptions of apprenticeship careers. A key message is that employers do not need to develop programmes in isolation. Collaboration through networks such as The 5% Club enables organisations to share good practice and learn from each other's experience. Overall, the episode reinforces that apprenticeships represent a long-term investment in business capability, not simply an entry route for young people.

Take 5: Phil Smith CBE, Chair Skills England, Episode 4: Skills England Annual Report

In this episode of Take Five, Lindsay Conroy (Director of Policy & Strategic Engagement) is joined by Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, to explore the key themes emerging from the recently published Skills England Annual Report and what they mean for employers, learners and the future of the UK's skills system.  The discussion covers the growing challenge of supporting young people into employment, the need to better recognise and articulate transferable skills, and how a more joined-up approach across education, employment and government can improve outcomes. Phil also shares his perspective on place-based skills planning, engaging SMEs, simplifying access to skills support through technology and AI, and ensuring national employers can navigate an increasingly devolved skills landscape.  The episode concludes by examining how employers can play a greater role in addressing skills shortages through workforce planning, early talent investment, and collaboration, alongside government support where it is most needed. Throughout the conversation, Phil reinforces the importance of employer engagement, trusted networks, and practical action to build a stronger, more responsive skills system.    Further information on the Skills England Annual Report can be found here [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a19740bb95db968c8f3bc3d/skills_england_annual_skills_report_2026.pdf].

Take 5: Bagnalls Painting & Decorating Contractors

Welcome to the The 5% Club Podcast: Take Five – where we bring you insight, inspiration and innovation from employers, stakeholders, policy makers and contributors, all in 5% of your working day. This episode is delivered in collaboration with the Youth Futures Foundation and forms part of a mini-series supporting the Make It An Apprenticeship Campaign. Bagnalls discuss how employers can use apprenticeships to create opportunities for people as they enter the workforce - what if we were able to use apprenticeships to create more entry levels roles for people?

Take 5: Southbourne Rubber

Welcome to the The 5% Club Podcast: Take Five – where we bring you insight, inspiration and innovation from employers, stakeholders, policy makers and contributors, all in 5% of your working day. This episode is delivered in collaboration with the Youth Futures Foundation and forms part of a mini-series supporting the Make It An Apprenticeship Campaign. Today Chris Shirley, Fellow of The 5% Club, is in conversation with Stephen Wilde, Managing Director of Southbourne Rubber, who shares how apprentices have been such a vital part of his business strategy.

Take 5: Phil Smith CBE, Chair Skills England, Episode 3 - Apprenticeship Assessment Reforms

In this episode of Take Five, Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, joins us to discuss the recent apprenticeship assessment reforms and what they mean for employers across sectors. We explore the rationale behind the changes, how the reforms aim to create a more streamlined and responsive system, and the role employers are playing in shaping assessment approaches that better reflect workplace realities. The discussion focuses on how these changes support productivity, workforce development and the delivery of high-quality apprenticeship experiences. This episode provides clarity on the direction of reform and reassurance for employers navigating changes to the apprenticeship system. Further detail on the apprenticeship assessment reforms can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-funding-rules-2025-to-2026/changes-to-apprenticeship-assessment-2025-to-2026 Employers who wish to contribute to Skills England’s Expert Groups can do so through relevant sector or membership bodies such as The 5% Club, or by contacting Skills England directly at: expertnetwork.skillsengland@education.gov.uk