UK Training Market Sees Growth Amidst Evolving Demands
The UK training market, valued at approximately £4 billion in 2022, is projected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by increasing workplace complexity, the imperative for continuous employee adaptation, burgeoning demand for lifelong learning, and persistent skills gaps. The corporate training market alone reached USD 16.3 billion in 2025 and is expected to hit USD 29.1 billion by 2034, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.34% during 2026-2034.
Apprenticeships in England have shown a modest increase, with starts rising by 0.7% in the 2023/24 academic year to 339,580, and a further 4.1% increase to 353,500 in 2024/25. Participation also saw a 3.4% rise, reaching 761,500 in 2024/25. Notably, higher apprenticeships are gaining significant traction, increasing by 15.1% to 140,730 in 2024/25 and now constituting 39.8% of all starts. Despite this recent growth, overall apprenticeship starts in 2023/24 remained 13.7% lower than in 2018/19, indicating a need for sustained engagement efforts.
Addressing the skills gap remains a top priority for 29% of UK learning professionals, as highlighted by the CIPD's 'Learning at Work 2023' report. The demand for IT expertise, cybersecurity, and data analytics training is rising due to the digital transformation across industries. Furthermore, the focus on remote and hybrid work models increases the requirement for management, soft skill development, and leadership training.
The UK corporate e-learning market generated a revenue of USD 4,605.4 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 13,300.1 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 19.5% from 2025 to 2030. Instructor-led training was the largest revenue-generating learning type in 2024, holding a 48.95% share, and is also the most lucrative segment for growth during the forecast period.
Irish Training Sector Driven by Regulatory Needs and Upskilling Initiatives
Ireland is demonstrating a strong commitment to lifelong learning, with participation rates increasing to 16% in Q4 2024, surpassing the National Skills Strategy target of 15% for 2025. Nearly 458,000 adults aged 25-64 engaged in formal or non-formal learning activities in Q4 2024, marking the highest number to date. This indicates a robust and growing demand for continuous professional development across the workforce.
The demand for QQI Level 6 Train the Trainer qualifications has surged, with training providers reporting a 40% increase in enrolments over the past two years. This rise is attributed to businesses seeking to reduce costs, improve training consistency, and meet increasingly stringent compliance requirements. Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) certification data for 2023 shows a continued recovery from the impact of COVID-19 restrictions. The number of learners attaining QQI awards increased from 2022, with Further Education and Training (FET) awards seeing a 13% increase to 181,754, and Higher Education (HE) awards increasing by 3% to 12,967.
Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see online food safety training or explore TAQA assessor courses for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.
A record number of over 400,000 FET places were taken up in Ireland in 2024, representing significant growth and demand for FET, apprenticeships, and construction skills training. Skillnet Ireland's 2024 Annual Report highlights increased participation in digital and sustainability upskilling, with 14,711 workers benefiting from digital skills programmes (a 16% increase) and 7,720 workers upskilled for the green economy (a 7% increase).
Health and Safety Training Remains Critical Across Both Nations
Workplace health and safety continues to be a significant area of focus for training in both the UK and Ireland. In the UK, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) reported 680,000 workers sustained a non-fatal workplace injury in 2024/25. Manual handling, lifting, and carrying accounted for 17% of these injuries. The total annual cost of injuries and new cases of ill health in the UK was estimated at £22.9 billion for 2023/24, with ill health accounting for £16.4 billion and injuries for £6.5 billion. Employers bore £4.3 billion of these costs.
In Ireland, manual handling remains the leading cause of non-fatal workplace injury. The HSA Annual Review 2025 (covering 2023–2024 data) revealed 3,474 reported incidents related to manual handling, representing approximately 33% of all workplace injuries. These figures underscore the critical need for robust risk management and effective training to mitigate both human and financial costs. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) reported a record low rate of work-related fatalities in Ireland in 2024, with 33 deaths, down from 43 in 2023. The fatality rate per 100,000 workers decreased from 2.7 in 2015 to 1.2 in 2024.
Despite the positive trend in fatality rates in Ireland, the HSA Annual Report 2025 indicated a concerning rise in workplace fatalities to 61 in 2025, the highest annual death toll since 2007. This highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and comprehensive safety training.
These statistics collectively highlight the dynamic and essential nature of the training industry in the UK and Ireland. As businesses navigate technological advancements and evolving regulatory landscapes, the demand for effective and relevant training solutions continues to grow. Abertay Training (https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk) plays a vital role in addressing these training needs, offering a range of courses designed to equip individuals and organisations with the skills required for today's challenging environment.