Understanding the Employer Experience
Research from Coach Core Foundation explores the experiences of small and micro organisations employing apprentices.
With nearly 1 million young people in the UK not in employment, education or training, and apprenticeship starts in decline, Coach Core Foundation commissioned vital new research to understand how the small and micro employers we support nationally are navigating the recruitment and retention of young apprentices.
Coach Core commissioned the Centre for Social Justice in Sport and Society at Leeds Beckett University, to run this study exploring the real-world challenges employers face and the practical steps that can improve outcomes for both businesses and young people.
Key Findings
The report highlighted pressing challenges, including:
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Low pay and the cost-of-living crisis
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Lack of work readiness and unrealistic expectations on both sides
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Travel and transport barriers
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Limited diversity in some local areas
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Inconsistent job security after apprenticeships
Enablers of Success
Despite these hurdles, the research uncovered clear enablers of success:
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Effective mentorship and emotional support
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Meaningful, varied work experiences
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Clear communication and regular check-ins
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Strong partnerships between employers, Coach Core, and learning providers
The report also emphasises the importance of inclusive practices for under-represented groups, calling for intersectional support, accessible recruitment methods like video applications, and culturally aware mentoring.
Recommendations
The recommendations are clear: better pay, improved onboarding, transport and start-up support, and a more inclusive, collaborative approach across the sector can lead to long-term success for everyone involved. As one employer put it,
“We want to support and educate these young people – but we want to keep them in the business as well.”
Read the full report to explore how employers, training providers, and policymakers can build more inclusive, impactful apprenticeship programmes—and unlock the potential of every young person.