26 September 2026
Reversing the decline in employer-funded skills training
The Learning and Work Institute (L&WI) has published a report examining the decline in employer-funded skills training and how to address it. ‘Understanding employer investment in skills’ explores how to reverse the trend and increase training investment.
Employer investment in training has continued to decline and there has been a growing focus on shorter training options. L&WI feels this may be negatively affecting productivity improvements and failing to provide the skills needed by industry for the future.
The report identifies the reasons for this decline, which vary across industries and employer types. While 60% of employers still offer training to staff, the amount of training has fallen from 7.8 days per trainee in 2011 to 5.7 days in 2024. 88% of training days were online in 2022, compared to just 67% in 2015.
The report recommends that:
Read more about the L&WI report on employer-funded training.
Employer investment in training has continued to decline and there has been a growing focus on shorter training options. L&WI feels this may be negatively affecting productivity improvements and failing to provide the skills needed by industry for the future.
The report identifies the reasons for this decline, which vary across industries and employer types. While 60% of employers still offer training to staff, the amount of training has fallen from 7.8 days per trainee in 2011 to 5.7 days in 2024. 88% of training days were online in 2022, compared to just 67% in 2015.
The report recommends that:
- Governments should ensure ‘a growth-friendly environment’ to raise demand for skills.
- Public sector organisations should report on their training investment.
- Sectoral and local models should be developed for employers to agree action.
- Incentives should be reviewed to explore impact.
- Local leaders should develop access to skills for employers.
- Governments should clarify the roles of the individual, employer and Government.
- Government should raise the quality of apprenticeships and other training.
- Funding for training by Government should move towards five years, worth.
Read more about the L&WI report on employer-funded training.
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26 September 2026