Apprenticeships and SME Support in the South East

Written by Maia Rowe-Sampson (Sector Engagement Lead)

What a busy month across the South, particularly in the South East. We’ve been attended Chamber networking events, contributed to discussions on Local Skills Improvement Plans in Kent, and explored innovation funding opportunities in Bristol. All of this led into National Apprenticeship Week, where apprentices were rightly celebrated and important insights shared.

I had a fantastic time at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics, it was encouraging to hear familiar voices championing vocational education, prioritising skills, and building a truly inclusive workforce. Skills are firmly at the centre of the agenda this year, and long may that continue.

National Apprenticeship Week insights

During National Apprenticeship Week, the Association of Apprentices released its latest insights survey. The event sparked thoughtful discussions around learner and employer support, apprenticeships as a driver of social mobility, and what policy needs to do better. Some of the key findings included:

• Line management support is the strongest predictor of positive outcomes, including pay rises and promotions
• 83% of apprentices report feeling stressed, largely due to work-life balance pressures, end-point assessment anxiety, and unclear expectations
• Financial pressures disproportionately affect apprentices from lower-income backgrounds. Early financial support and greater employer awareness of available discounts can significantly improve access and retention
• More inclusive environments lead to better outcomes. 32% of former free school meal recipients accessed their sector only because of apprenticeships. Disabled apprentices report higher stress levels but benefit greatly from open, supportive workplaces
• Four in five apprentices do not feel their views are considered by government, with policy instability and reform creating uncertainty. Listening to apprentices must be central to shaping the system.

Supporting SMEs with apprenticeship funding and training

I also attended Tomorrow’s Engineers Live where I lead a discussion on how we better support SMEs with targeted funding and training to help them take on and develop apprentices. We explored how to involve more employers in outreach activity, not just through social value commitments, but by making engagement simple and accessible. This aligns closely with our Girls Can Engineer book, where employers can contribute meaningfully with just a few minutes of their time.

Championing manufacturing and engineering SMEs

Alongside these major events, I’ve spent time visiting a range of SMEs doing genuinely exciting, innovative work. SMEs offer something unique that larger organisations often can’t – agility, specialism, and deep community connection. Yet they continue to face familiar challenges around financial pressures and limited support. I’m proud to champion the incredible people leading SMEs in manufacturing and engineering, and to ensure their voices are heard in regional and national conversations.