Dynamic Growth in the UK Training Market
The UK training market is demonstrating robust growth, with projections indicating a continued upward trajectory. Valued at approximately £4 billion in 2022, the market's expansion is largely attributed to increasing workplace complexity, the imperative for continuous employee adaptation, and persistent skills gaps.
Employer investment in training, however, remains a point of concern. The Employment and Skills Survey for 2024, published in November 2025, revealed a nearly 20% decrease in employer spending on training (in 2024 prices) since 2011, and a 30% decrease in expenditure per employee over the same period. Alarmingly, four in ten employers offer no training at all, and half of those that do believe they provide sufficient training. Compared to their EU counterparts, UK employers spend half the EU average on training per person.
Despite these investment challenges, apprenticeships in England have shown a modest increase. Starts rose by 0.7% in the 2023/24 academic year to 339,580, with a further 4.1% increase to 353,500 projected for 2024/25. Participation also saw a 3.4% rise, reaching 761,500 in 2024/25. Higher apprenticeships are particularly gaining traction, increasing by 15.1% to 140,730 in 2024/25 and now constituting 39.8% of all starts. However, overall apprenticeship starts in 2023/24 remained 13.7% lower than in 2018/19, highlighting the need for sustained engagement efforts.
Ireland's Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Upskilling
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, the highest number recorded to date.
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, with 96% of registered QQI providers active and certifying awards. FET awards saw a 13% increase from 2022, reaching 181,754 awards, while Higher Education awards increased by 3%, totalling 12,967.
A record number of over 400,000 Further Education and Training (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).
Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see trainer resources and materials or explore online manual handling training for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.
The Impact of AI and Evolving Regulatory Landscape
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to have a profound impact on the UK job market and training landscape. Estimates suggest that 10-30% of jobs are automatable, with AI having the potential to increase productivity and create new high-value jobs. The UK education system and employers will need to adapt to ensure the workforce possesses the necessary skills to leverage AI's benefits. Employees with more advanced qualifications (e.g., Level 6, equivalent to a degree) are more likely to be in jobs with higher exposure to AI. Almost two-thirds of employees (64%) state that AI training would make an employer more attractive, and nearly half (47%) believe AI skills will be essential for career progression within the next two years.
Regulatory bodies continue to play a crucial role in shaping training requirements. In 2023, the UK government implemented the Skills and Post-16 Education Act, which mandates employer investment in employee training to enhance workforce skills and maintain competitiveness. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Health and Safety Authority (HSA) regulations continue to drive significant training demand. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the US, for example, has enhanced training requirements for specific industries in 2024, with stricter enforcement and increased penalties for non-compliance. Many OSHA regulations require annual training in areas such as fire protection, first aid, asbestos reduction, and hazardous waste.
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) has significantly revised its Level 6 'Train the Trainer' framework, introducing updated assessment criteria, learning outcomes, and a strengthened focus on blended and online delivery methods to professionalise the training and development sector. The updated framework comprises two Level 6 Minor Awards: QQI Training Needs Identification and Design (6N3325) and QQI Training Delivery and Evaluation (6N3326). These changes emphasise digital learning tools and the ability to create engaging and effective learning experiences in various modalities.
For more insights into the evolving training landscape and to ensure your training programmes meet current industry standards, consider the resources and expertise offered by Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.