Results from our latest Workplus Apprenticeship ROI Survey show that apprenticeships are delivering meaningful returns for employers.

Key findings include:

🔹 93% employers would recommend apprenticeships

🔹 60% of employers see a return within the first year, that rises to 80% within two years
🔹 93% said that apprenticeships had the biggest impact on building a strong talent pipeline 
🔹 Over 86% of organisations said apprentice retention was either the same or better than other staff. 

🔹 88% of respondents said the benefits outweigh costs

Employers are honest about the challenges too: mentoring pressure, recruiting the right candidates, and navigating the system. But the enablers are clear—strong provider relationships, dedicated HR, and clear progression routes.

Looking ahead, employers want:
✨ Better government incentives
✨ More apprenticeship pathways
✨ Simpler systems
✨ Stronger mentoring capacity

The standout? 93% would recommend apprenticeships “definitely” or “without a doubt.”

NI employers believe the benefits outweigh the costs (88%)—a powerful signal for the future of skills, productivity, and growth.