PfP Thrive response to ISE Student Recruitment Survey

To truly understand the scale of the skills crisis we need to identify the opportunities available to us and look to our peers for their trends. This week ISE have released their latest Student Recruitment Survey. 

PfP Thrive’s Managing Director, Tom Arey offers his thoughts on the latest trends. 

“Today's ISE Student Recruitment Survey is a clear signal of the need to rebalance entry-level opportunities in the UK. While graduate recruitment has fallen by 8% year-on-year, apprenticeship hiring has grown by the same proportion, demonstrating that employers are recognising the value of practical, skills-based pathways alongside traditional academic routes."

“This trend mirrors what we are seeing in construction. Apprenticeships are increasingly critical, not just for young people leaving education, but for anyone looking to reskill or retrain for a sustainable, long-term career. Broadening access to these pathways will help tackle skills shortages and ensure the UK workforce remains competitive.

“By investing in apprenticeships and skills-focused recruitment, employers can build a diverse, agile workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. The shift towards apprenticeships is not just a response to immediate skills pressures; it is a long-term strategy to secure the UK’s talent pipeline and support sustainable economic growth.”