News
Government set to lower train driver age to 18 to address workforce shortages
The change is set to open up new career paths for young people, with a quarter of all train drivers expected to reach retirement age by 2030.
Recruitment & HR
News
Chemical sector faces more factory closures as jobs and sales drop, data finds
The latest survey from the Chemical Industries Association showed that jobs fell in the last three months of 2025, with 38% of companies reporting fewer employees.
News
Succession planning drives adviser hiring among IFAs, research finds
Research from ValidPath found one in five (20%) IFAs said hiring more advisers was central to their growth strategy this year.
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VodafoneThree launches apprenticeship programme
VodafoneThree apprenticeships are open to people at all stages, including school leavers, career changers and those wanting new skills.
News
CAFRE encourages school leavers to apply for Food and Drink Academy
The Academy is a four-year higher level apprenticeship programme, combining university-level study with paid employment in a Northern Ireland food and drink business.
News
Southern Water to triple early careers recruitment in 2026
New recruits will develop skills in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligence, procurement, and asset maintenance.
News
Apprenticeships in UK automotive sector up 33% in 2025 – SMMT
There were 1,699 apprenticeship starts in the last academic year, with another 1,824 people upskilling through further courses.
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North Ayrshire Council launches Future Trades Programme
The aim is to address local skills shortages in construction and boost job prospects for young people.
News
Majority of restaurant owners expect staff shortages to persist in 2026, survey finds
Out of 400 restaurant owners questioned, 60% said they were concerned about labour shortages and staffing challenges in 2026.
News
Red tape discourages 43% of SMEs from hiring apprentices, research finds
73% of SME leaders were ready to use new support from Government apprenticeship schemes announced in last year’s Autumn Budget.
News
Employers fear hiring delays more than economic instability, finds Robert Half
The research showed 65% of businesses said the biggest risk to operations is how fast they can hire, putting this ahead of concerns such as the economy and budgets.
News
London’s Build Academy welcomes Minister for Industry to address construction skills shortage
The scheme – set up by the CITB, FMB, and Shooters Hill Sixth Form College – aims to tackle skills shortages in RMI, including green skills and retrofit.