Almost half of businesses in the UK, or 37%, say apprentices will be a top source of talent in 2018, according to survey research from Alexander Mann Solutions.  

The research polled more than 2,000 senior HR professionals. It also found that graduates remain the favoured talent pool for entry-level recruits, with 47% of respondents naming university leavers as the most valuable source of emerging talent this year. However, 28% of respondents admitted that they were finding it more difficult to fill graduate roles this season, with 12% reporting that sourcing and securing the relevant skills is currently easier than it has been in other cycles.  

“As these findings suggest, leaders are certainly reassessing where they source fresh talent,” Sandrine Miller, Head of Emerging Talent Consulting at Alexander Mann Solutions, said. “And while graduates remain the preferred choice for the highest percentage of businesses, there are signs that the tide is shifting.”     

Miller also pointed to research from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service which showed that university applications have decreased by 4% last year, compared to the previous year.

“And while there will always be demand for graduate-level talent, HR Leaders are increasingly considering the benefits of developing talent in house, where the role allows, as part of a wider total workforce strategy,” Miller said.

“News that new apprenticeship starts have fallen by 59% since the Apprenticeship Levy was introduced is most likely indicative of how businesses are reassessing long-term needs, and taking the time they need to plan, and implement new programmes.  In other words, it’s the calm before the storm.”