As the UK's economy continues to shift towards a more tech-driven landscape, apprenticeships are adapting at pace. No longer confined to traditional manual skills alone, modern training programs are increasingly incorporating cutting-edge digital technologies to equip workers with the diverse expertise needed to succeed in an industry where craft meets innovation.
A prime example of this trend is seen in specialist fields such as heritage vehicle restoration. Ollie Priestley, a 29-year-old apprentice at Tolman, is undertaking a "heritage vehicle technician" apprenticeship that requires learning traditional techniques like fabricating gearbox mounts alongside new technologies, including computer-aided design (CAD) for component creation and 3D printing. Chris Tolman, founder of the Warwickshire-based business, highlights this comprehensive training as a key differentiator from mainstream dealerships, where digital tools can sometimes reduce technicians to merely component fitters.
This shift is not isolated to niche sectors. According to government data, there's been a notable trend towards higher-level apprenticeships in recent years. Over the past year, the number of individuals starting Level 2 intermediate apprenticeships has fallen by almost a quarter, while those commencing Level 4 to 7 programmes have seen an increase – these higher levels can equate to bachelor's and master's degrees, reflecting a growing emphasis on more advanced, integrated skill sets. Meanwhile, Level 3 apprenticeship numbers, equivalent to three A-levels, have remained stable, often incorporating digital skills alongside foundational trade practices.
The Heritage Skills Academy (HSA) in Bicester, where Priestley's three-year apprenticeship is facilitated, exemplifies this integration of traditional and modern skills. Their programme, introduced in 2018, combines essential skills like welding and glazing with digital competencies such as 3D printing and CAD. John Pitchforth, managing director of HSA, states that their updated curriculum has "radically improved" the training by merging modern technology with fundamental engineering principles. He further argues that their apprentices develop a deeper understanding than some modern engineers who, when transitioning to the heritage sector, may lack the basic engineering principles needed to diagnose and repair systems without relying solely on computer diagnostics.
Yet industry experts caution against an overly narrow focus on digital tools. Chris Iveson, CEO of Sheffield-based FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, notes that modern apprentices are increasingly learning both the practical skill of making and the digital skill of using technology to understand production processes – including areas like CNC programming, robotic assembly, and data analysis.