Generation apprenticeships – a perspective through the lens of industry learners

Apprenticeship pathways are widely recognised as effective for earning while learning and acquiring practical and theoretical skills on the job. The rise of consortia-led apprenticeships reflects growing recognition by educational institutions, government bodies, and industry of the benefits of combining work, learning, and academic awards. However, there is a notable lack of published literature on the unique experiences of apprentices in third-level education, particularly in consortia-led supply chain programmes. This study seeks to fill that gap by offering insights to establish best practices and enhance the success of the supply chain apprenticeship programme. It examines experiences from 67 apprenticeship learners across various industries. Understanding apprentices’ journeys, from their initial awareness of programmes to the support they receive, while identifying the challenges they face is essential. This research offers valuable insights for all stakeholders to positively influence the effectiveness of future consortia-led supply chain apprenticeships.