How 2026 Apprenticeship Funding Reforms Solve UK SME Skills Gaps

As Government initiatives continue to push apprenticeships up the agenda, many UK small businesses are looking for real solutions to the ongoing talent squeeze. Episode 2 of Inside the Workroom, hosted by Employment Hero’s UK Managing Director, Kevin Fitzgerald, cuts through the noise to ask: How can apprenticeships help SMEs stay competitive?

In conversation with Kelly Goddard, Operations Manager at apprenticeship specialist company, Academy Training, this episode explores that very question. 

Kevin and Kelly dive into how the UK Government’s Growth and Skills Levy and Youth Guarantee works in practice, how these schemes build culture and retention, and why upskilling is the smartest move for SME workforce planning heading into 2026.

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