Following A-level results day last week, GCSE results day is upon us tomorrow, and bright young people across the UK will be thinking about what’s next for them.
A career in the tech sector should be at the top of the list for many—it’s dynamic, exciting, and possibilities are endless. Yet, increasingly, younger generations are moving away from tech.
This shift is concerning. We’re already facing a crippling skills shortage, with half of UK IT businesses struggling to fill critical roles and AI progress being stalled by a lack of skilled workers. And with interest waning among young people, we risk deepening this crisis and seeing the UK fall further behind in technological innovation.
To close our skills gap, we must make tech careers more appealing and accessible. The solution? Apprenticeships. University degrees have long been seen as the ‘golden ticket’ to a career in tech, but skyrocketing fees and fear of debt are pushing students away. Apprenticeships are a potential antidote; offering a practical and inclusive alternative.
Of course, everyone’s path is different, and a university degree will remain the preferred route for many. But with tech evolving faster than ever, a 3-year degree now risks becoming outdated before you even start working. Looking back on my own career, despite having taken the university route, if I were starting out in the industry today, I’d choose an apprenticeship without hesitation.
Mutual gains
Apprenticeships are a win-win for fast-moving tech businesses and apprentices alike. Unlike larger, more rigid organisations, start-ups and scale-ups provide apprentices with a chance to make a real impact and help drive growth from the very beginning of their careers. This aligns perfectly with the hands-on nature of apprenticeships, allowing apprentices to see the tangible effects of their work as they grow with the company.
On a practical level, apprenticeships open doors for those who might otherwise be excluded from tech careers due to high university costs or other barriers. They aren’t just for school leavers—they’re also ideal for career changers or parents returning to work. By offering an alternative path, apprenticeships make tech careers more accessible and inclusive, injecting fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that are invaluable in startups. They combine theory with real-world practice, so by the time you finish, you’re equipped with both knowledge and experience.
In startups, apprentices are encouraged to think creatively and challenge established norms. This culture of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking makes them confident in contributing their ideas, setting them up for long-term success in their careers.
Take our apprenticeship programme at Aiimi as a case in point. It sits alongside our university graduate scheme, as part of our wider early careers programme, with both programmes injecting diversity of thought into our organisation. Through apprenticeships, we’ve welcomed new team members from all walks of life—warehouse workers, school leavers, and more. Each individual has brought unique insights and creativity, enriching our organisation at every level. And I’m especially proud that every single apprentice that has joined the team is still with us today, underscoring the long-term value of investing in their development.
Shifting perspectives
Despite the well-documented benefits of apprenticeships for both businesses and participants, they are still too often viewed as inferior to university degrees. This perception needs to change. For young people, choosing an apprenticeship over a university degree is not a compromise; it’s a smart, practical choice that offers real-world experience and career opportunities. For tech employers, hiring apprentices is not ‘lowering standards’; it’s a forward-thinking investment in the future of their organisations.
To tackle these outdated views, we need to lead the charge. Labour has pledged to address declining apprenticeship numbers by expanding opportunities for ‘high-level technical skills,’ but the responsibility doesn’t rest with the government alone. The onus is also on us to drive change at a grassroots level.
One incredibly effective strategy for us has been partnering with educational institutions. By working closely with schools, we’ve been able to connect with young talent directly and highlight the career opportunities available to them. We’ve even successfully recruited two outstanding apprentices directly from a nearby college in Milton Keynes, demonstrating how these collaborations make a tangible difference at a local level, helping to bridge the skills gap from the ground up.
Tech startups stand to gain immensely from offering apprenticeships. These programmes not only address the critical skills gap but also bring diverse, innovative talent into the industry. By providing hands-on experience and real responsibilities, startups can help shape the next generation of tech professionals while also reaping the countless benefits for their organisations. Plus, for employers already paying the apprenticeship levy, it makes perfect sense to reinvest those funds into developing their own talent pipeline.
Reflect back on your own career—I’m sure you would have leapt at the chance to be an apprentice in your startup if you were just starting out today. As founders and leaders, it’s our responsibility to forge pathways for emerging talent by creating those opportunities now.
Steve Salvin is the Founder and CEO of Aiimi, a British AI data insights startup. Since launching Aiimi in 2013, Steve has grown the company to a 200-strong team. Their industry-leading technology and services are now used by the likes of the UK government, the FCA, PwC, and various FTSE 100 companies.
