New Forest Business Partnership (NFBP) has released its latest success figures of the New Forest Apprenticeship Hub, revealing strong engagement and positive outcomes for local employers. Far exceeding the programme’s original expectations and highlighting the growing appetite for skills development across the district, the Apprenticeship Hub has supported 80 businesses and created 20 strategic partnerships. The Apprenticeship Hub is funded by New Forest District Council through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, and NFBP has managed the programme between September 2025 and March 2026.
Across this period, the Apprenticeship Hub achieved 223 enrolments on skills programmes, nearly tripling its target. It also facilitated 13 full-time equivalent jobs, with more expected as businesses continue to progress through their apprenticeship planning and recruitment stages. NFBP reports that many employers are already incorporating apprenticeships into their workforce strategy while others are benefiting from upskilling options, levy transfer support and sector-specific guidance.
Matthew Lawson, Chairman of NFBP, said: “This level of engagement shows how committed New Forest businesses are to developing their people and building a resilient local economy. The Apprenticeship Hub has opened the door for employers of all sizes to get practical support, understand the options available and connect with training partners that meet their needs. The New Forest is a district built on small and micro businesses, so providing accessible skills support is essential. We are proud of the progress so far and confident that apprenticeship adoption will continue to grow over the coming years.”
Businesses working with the Apprenticeship Hub represent all major sectors across the New Forest including hospitality, professional services, food and drink production, manufacturing, maritime, care and digital technology. The programme’s flexible, sector-neutral design enabled companies to engage through briefings, drop in sessions, training events and one-to-one guidance.
The programme’s partnership ecosystem has been a key success factor. Twenty formal partnerships have been created with training providers, colleges, employment support organisations and strategic bodies including Brockenhurst College, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, New Forest Marque and the University of Southampton. This ensures that businesses can be referred to the right support quickly and efficiently.
The Hub also saw strong initial uptake from businesses following its launch, with 43 interactions recorded in September alone. Sustained engagement continued throughout the autumn and winter months, supported by NFBP’s weekly online support hours and wider business skills programme of more than 30 specialist events.
NFBP has identified key learnings from the programme, including the importance of a long-term engagement approach for micro businesses that often need more time to plan recruitment. It recommends continued support beyond March 2026 to build on the strong foundations established and to maintain momentum across the district’s business community.
