Balancing work, study and life is no easy task. For apprentices, it’s a constant juggling act and the BIG Apprentice Survey 2024 highlights just how real those challenges are.
With insights from over 2,000 apprentices, the survey paints a clear picture of what’s working well and where we as a sector need to improve to meet the needs of the modern learner.
Working in education as the Director of Quality and Excellence at Educationwise, I see first-hand how the world of education isn’t just changing, it’s accelerating. Apprenticeships need to do more than keep pace; they need to anticipate where learners and businesses are heading. That’s why we embrace insights like these, using them to push forward and ensure our programmes stay ahead of the curve.
What the Survey Tells Us
Apprenticeships = Real Impact
74% of apprentices value the combination of work experience and qualifications most. This simple equation applied learning + real-world experience = growth is at the heart of what makes apprenticeships powerful. At Educationwise, we’re committed to delivering programmes that not only teach skills but also equip apprentices to thrive in real-world roles.
Stress is a Growing Concern
62% of apprentices reported feeling stressed or anxious over the past year, with work-life balance (36%) and time management (33%) emerging as top challenges.
This is why we place such importance on equipping apprentices with broader skills like resilience, prioritisation and mental wellbeing alongside their technical training.
Apprenticeships Open Doors
36% of apprentices said they wouldn’t be in their current industry without their programme. This reinforces the life-changing potential of apprenticeships. At Educationwise, we’re focused on keeping these opportunities accessible while ensuring they remain aligned with modern industry needs.
What We’re Doing to Keep Up
At Educationwise, we’re using these findings not just as feedback but as fuel to keep improving. Here’s how we’re addressing these challenges:
Flexible, Learner-Centred Training
We design programmes that work for learners not against them. With options like on-demand modules and schedules that adapt to real lives, we’re making learning accessible and achievable.
Empathy in Action
Empathy isn’t a buzzword—it’s a foundation. From one-to-one coaching to tailored interventions, we work closely with apprentices to understand and support their unique challenges.
Building Skills Beyond the Job
For today’s learners, technical knowledge isn’t enough. Our apprentices also gain life skills such as time management and resilience that prepare them for both the workplace and life’s broader challenges.
A Collaborative Approach
Apprenticeships succeed when everyone plays their part. At Educationwise, we work hand-in-hand with employers, mentors, EPAOs and apprentices themselves to ensure every learner is set up to thrive.
Leveraging Technology Through Blossom
We’ve embraced technology to enhance the learning journey. Platforms like our Blossom wider skills platform allow us to personalise support, provide engaging resources and ensure learners feel connected wherever they are.
Backed by Results: Insights from Our 23/24 Self-Assessment Review (SAR)
The insights from our SAR show that these efforts are making a difference.
9.7/10 Learner Satisfaction for Tutor Support:
Apprentices consistently rate their experience with our tutors highly, reflecting the strength of our learner-first approach.
800+ Wider Skills Courses Offered as Added Value:
From communication to resilience, these courses equip learners with the skills they need to handle challenges both in and out of work.
9.3/10 Employer Support Rating:
Strong partnerships with employers mean apprenticeships deliver results for both learners and the organisations they work for.
Net Promoter Scores:
With a Learner NPS of 59 and Employer NPS of 60, these figures underline our commitment to delivering impactful training and building strong, lasting relationships.
Why It Matters
The BIG Apprentice Survey 2024 and our internal statistics highlight the incredible potential of apprenticeships but they also show the work needed to ensure they stay relevant, accessible and impactful.
The world is changing rapidly and apprenticeships must adapt to meet the needs of today’s learners and employers. At Educationwise, we’re not just keeping up; we’re striving to lead the way by delivering programmes that prepare learners for the future and support businesses to grow.
To apprentices: Your resilience and commitment inspire everything we do. To the sector: Let’s work together to take apprenticeships to the next level in 2025 and beyond.
If you want to know how Educationwise is doing things differently, let’s have a conversation.
Thanks for reading,
Nick Preston
Director of Quality, Compliance and Excellence
