

HR People Pod – Ep 25: 'Tinkering with a system that doesn’t work' – Apprenticeships overhaul
9 snips Jun 4, 2025
Francisca Beloso, Inclusive Diversity Director at Alvarez & Marsal, Alix Bolton, Chief People Officer at Smollan, and Kevin Green, Chief People Officer at First Bus, dive into the urgent need for reforming England's apprenticeship system. They discuss how shifting focus from youth to lifelong learning can bridge skill gaps and enhance resilience. The panel also tackles the complexities of workplace incentives, urging a balance between compliance and true performance. Lastly, they emphasize the importance of adaptability in workforce management amidst evolving employee needs.
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Episode notes
Physical Presence Isn't Productivity
- Physical presence in the office does not equal productivity in modern work environments.
- Trust and autonomy in how people work are more effective than simply enforcing office attendance policies.
Avoid Mandating Office Bonuses
- Engage your workforce through dialogue rather than mandates about office attendance.
- Avoid linking bonuses strictly to office presence to prevent counterproductive outcomes and resentment.
Apprenticeship Funding Risks Exclusion
- Apprenticeship reforms focusing funding only on young people may undermine the apprenticeship system's broad benefits.
- Excluding older learners reduces workforce resilience and widens inclusivity gaps.