Strengthening SME Apprenticeship Success

A Practical Pilot Programme for SME Managers

Apprenticeships can be a powerful way for SMEs to build skills, grow talent and strengthen their workforce — but only when apprentices are well supported in the workplace.

An exciting phase of the Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) Programme is due to launch in February, introducing a new, short, pilot programme designed specifically for SME managers, giving them the confidence, capability and practical tools they need to help apprentices thrive from day one through to completion and beyond.

Why this pilot?

Many SMEs take on apprentices with the very best intentions, yet face common challenges: unclear expectations, time pressures, confidence in managing performance, and uncertainty around assessment and completion. This pilot responds directly to those realities, focusing on what works in practice.

What the programme offers

The pilot delivers a series of short, interactive sessions built around real-world management challenges that shape the apprentice experience. Sessions are:

• Practical and solution-focused
• Flexible and concise
• Designed for immediate application in the workplace

Managers leave with approaches they can use straight away — not theory, but tools and resources.

Four themes that support apprenticeship success

The programme is structured around four key themes:

1. Getting Apprenticeships Right from the Start
   Helping managers understand how apprenticeships work in practice, align them with business needs, and create strong foundations through effective role design, onboarding and internal support.
2. Managing and Supporting Apprentices Day to Day
   Building confidence to motivate apprentices, provide meaningful feedback, address issues early and work effectively with training providers to maintain progress and retention.
3. Coaching, Communication and Learning Culture
   Strengthening the interpersonal skills that underpin successful apprenticeships — from coaching and mentoring to creating positive team environments where apprentices feel supported, included and able to learn.
4. Completion, Retention and Beyond
   Supporting managers to sustain motivation and wellbeing, understand assessment requirements, celebrate success and retain skilled talent after completion — ensuring a real return on investment.

Practical impact for SMEs

By strengthening line management, communication and confidence, the pilot will help SMEs:

• Improve apprentice engagement and retention
• Reduce withdrawals
• Support successful completion
• Develop skilled, loyal employees who contribute to business growth

Aligned with national priorities

The programme is closely aligned with Government priorities, including positive workplace experiences, effective line management, mentoring, wellbeing, soft skills development and securing apprenticeship achievement.

DOWNLOAD SME Apprenticeship Essentials brochure

READ AND DOWNLOAD Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) Programme SME Pilot Case Study Embedding Good Practice in Degree Apprenticeships: Rhotic Media

READ AND DOWNLOAD Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) Programme: SME Apprenticeship Pilot Case Study What Good SME Practice Looks Like: Learning from the University of Warwick’s SME Apprenticeship Partners