The future of apprenticeships: GenAI, soft skills, and the evolving landscape

This week I ran another poll, this time asking my connections & followers for their thoughts on the biggest trend shaping apprenticeships in the next 5 years.

After taking some time to reflect on these results, I wanted to share my reactions & commentary on these different areas with you all.

The GenAI revolution is just beginning

Not a shock to see GenAI topping the list. If anything, I'm surprised it wasn't higher! The shift we're seeing with generative AI isn't just a trend – it's a fundamental transformation in how we work, learn, and assess.

As I mentioned in my recent article about balancing AI innovation with human-centred assessment, at Accelerate People we're already using AI across our business to eliminate administrative burdens and help our team focus on what truly matters: supporting apprentices.

But we're now moving beyond simply using AI for efficiency. We're exploring how AI can create more authentic assessment experiences, provide personalised feedback at scale, and help assessors develop their skills through our 'AI Apprentice' system – essentially a flight simulator for assessors to practice with realistic scenarios.

The 45% of you who voted for GenAI as the biggest trend are absolutely right – we're only scratching the surface of what's possible. And this technology will touch every aspect of apprenticeships, from initial engagement through to final assessment.

Soft skills in a digital world

Robert T. made an excellent point in the comments: "Soft skills will be the differentiators that help individuals thrive in their careers, collaborate effectively in diverse teams, and lead in evolving environments."

I couldn't agree more, Robert. And this is where I think the conversation gets really interesting.

As AI takes over more routine and technical tasks, what makes us uniquely human becomes increasingly valuable. The ability to communicate with clarity and empathy, to collaborate across different backgrounds and perspectives, to think critically and solve complex problems – these skills aren't just "nice to have" anymore. They're essential.

In fact, I'd argue that in this new working world, one of the core skill-sets of a modern, adaptable, high-agency worker is indeed someone who excels in these human-centred capabilities. This isn't about choosing between technical proficiency and soft skills – it's about recognising that both are necessary, but increasingly, the latter will be what differentiates top performers.

Personalisation: From buzzword to reality

For years, "personalised learning" has been something there was lots of talk about but very little action. It always sounded great in principle – adapting the learning journey to each individual's needs, pace, and style – but the practical implementation was challenging at best.

What's changed? Technology, of course. The same AI that's transforming broader delivery is also making true personalisation possible at scale. We're now seeing systems that can adapt content based on individual progress, identify knowledge gaps, and suggest tailored learning resources.

It feels like there is a lot more action now, or at a minimum, the ability to take action. The 20% of respondents who prioritised personalised learning paths are spotting a crucial trend – one that will likely grow as the technology matures.

The policy landscape

While only 10% voted for policy and funding shifts as the biggest trend, we all know these changes will have significant impact. The reforms coming to EPA represent both challenges and opportunities for all of us in the sector.

We're still awaiting the details on what these reforms will mean in practice (though we covered some useful thoughts in our recent webinar). What's clear is that we'll need to be adaptable, collaborative, and focused on maintaining quality throughout any transition.

What does this all mean for the future?

If I were to synthesise these results, I'd say we're looking at a future where:

1. Technology, particularly AI, will transform how we deliver apprenticeships

2. Human skills will become increasingly valuable and central to apprenticeships

3. Learning will become more tailored to individual needs and contexts

4. All of this will happen against a backdrop of evolving policy and funding approaches

   
   

As someone who's been in apprenticeships for a long time now, I find this an incredibly exciting time. The combination of cutting-edge technology with a renewed focus on human skills creates possibilities we couldn't have imagined even five years ago.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do these poll results match your own experience and expectations? Are there other trends you're seeing that didn't make the list? And how are you preparing for these changes in your own organisation?

As always, I'm grateful to be part of a community that's thoughtfully navigating these complex shifts together. Because ultimately, what matters most isn't the technology or the policy details – it's how we use all of these tools to better prepare apprentices for success in a rapidly changing world.