New Forest Apprenticeship Hub

The Hub aims to create better quality and a higher number of apprenticeships start-ups in the New Forest and acts as a one-stop shop for businesses, apprentices and anyone hoping to start an apprenticeship by providing a range of services:

Information, advice and guidance services to apprentices, parents and employers
Help for New Forest businesses (Micro-businesses and SMEs in particular) to access technical talent to tackle skills shortages
Progression pathways and opportunities into and out of apprenticeships at all levels

We offer free and impartial advice to New Forest based organisations of any size regarding apprenticeships and skills training, helping to remove the barriers for business eager to invest in the development of their workforce.

The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, delivered locally by New Forest District Council.

What are the benefits of apprenticeships?

Government evidence shows that many apprentices are kept on by their employers when they’ve completed their course and nearly a quarter of apprentices are promoted within 12 months of finishing.

Government research also shows that apprentices have increased future earning potential across the course of their career, earning around £117,000 more during their lifetime.

According to the National Apprenticeship Service, around 96% of employers surveyed had experienced benefits from employing an apprentice. 74% said apprentices had improved their product, 78% of employers said they had improved productivity, 85% said apprentices had helped to develop skills, and 73% said it had boosted staff morale.

86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation, according to the National Apprenticeships Service. 78% said apprenticeships improved productivity. Apprenticeships contribute towards increasing employee satisfaction, reducing staff turnover and reducing recruitment costs. Training your employees and growing your own talent is the most effective way to retain great people.

Find out more by contacting our team at contact@nfbp.org.uk

The New Forest Business Partnership (NFBP) welcomes the opportunity to deliver the New Forest Apprenticeship Hub in 2025/2026 for New Forest District Council.

As the definitive business forum for the New Forest with 25 years of experience supporting local businesses, we are uniquely positioned to meet New Forest District Council's ambitious objectives for this programme.

Core Focus Areas

Accessible Skills Development - Flexible, bite-sized training suitable for micro-business owners
Digital-First Engagement - Leveraging NFBP's email and social media, delivered through online and hybrid platforms
Sector-Neutral Support - Serving all business sectors represented in the New Forest
Partnership Leverage - Maximising existing relationships with education providers and stakeholders

Enhanced Delivery for Apprenticeship Hub:

Integration of apprenticeship and skills pathways into existing NFBP business support workshop content
Sector-specific training modules aligned with New Forest's diverse economy (marine, hospitality, care, creative etc)
Digital skills training for modern business needs – basic and advanced level
Leadership and management development with apprenticeship components
Flexible delivery formats (in-person, virtual, hybrid) to accommodate SME schedules

Enhanced Promotion Strategy:

Integration of apprenticeship and skills messaging into weekly communications
Partnership with NFBP Advisory Group members representing diverse business sectors
Utilisation of NFBP's successful event formats
Collaboration with NFDC's business communication channels
Showcase events building on NFBP's proven event management capabilities

Partnership Development Strategy: