Unlocking Potential: The Power of Apprenticeships in Shaping the Future
By Unipart Chief Executive Darren Leigh
National Apprenticeship Week starts on Monday (10 February) and provides a moment to reflect on the transformative role apprenticeships play in building a brighter future – for individuals and industries alike.
At Unipart, we view apprenticeships as the cornerstone of progress in sectors critical to the UK, such as digital technology, transport, logistics, and green energy. These areas are the lifeblood of our economy, yet they face significant skills gaps that only innovative approaches to workforce development can solve.
My own journey began at age 16, when I left school to join a youth training scheme. That first opportunity set me on the path to leading a company with a £1bn revenue and operations in 21 countries around the world. It taught me the value of hands-on learning, adaptability, and grit – qualities that apprenticeships cultivate in abundance.
However, for apprenticeships to remain relevant, we must modernise the system. Flexible, shorter programmes that respond to the rapid evolution of industries like AI, renewable energy, and supply chain automation are essential. These initiatives should not only target school leavers but also offer reskilling opportunities for career changers, ensuring everyone can thrive in the workforce of tomorrow.
We also need stronger partnerships between businesses, educators, and policymakers to align training with market demands. Investment in resources, mentoring, and real-world learning environments will be key to unlocking the potential of the next generation.
Meeting Unipart’s apprentices fills me with optimism. Their enthusiasm, resilience, and creativity remind me why investing in talent is a privilege and a necessity. Together, we can transform not just careers but entire industries.
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, let’s pledge to make apprenticeships the launchpad for countless success stories – stories that will shape the UK’s future for decades to come.
