The brief
The Institute of Physics (IOP) are committed to transforming the physics landscape for the UK and Ireland – to ensure a thriving physics ecosystem that will contribute to innovation, discovery, research, growth and debate in the UK, Ireland and beyond. As part of this, the IOP have an explicit aim to increase the number of those on physics-based science apprenticeships.
To support this goal, the IOP were keen to explore the views of employers, providers, learners and key sector stakeholders, in order to understand:
- The demand for in-scope apprenticeships.
- The current supply and uptake of in-scope apprenticeships.
- Where there are gaps between the supply and demand.
- What the barriers are to providing, accessing and completing in-scope apprenticeships.
- Opportunity areas for future intervention.
The approach
This research was broad in scope and required a multi-staged methodology. This incorporated both primary and secondary research, as well as qualitative and quantitative data from a wide range of stakeholders, and comprised:
- An evidence review, desk research and data analysis.
- A workshop with wider stakeholders to refine scope.
- In-depth interviews with 96 employers, providers and stakeholders.
- An eSurvey with 292 apprentices.
- Delphi validation from sector experts.
- Analysis and reporting.
The value
We provided the IOP with a depth report and executive summary, which presented a robust narrative outlining our findings – including any differences between nations and sectors. Our research was used as the basis for a publicly available report from the IoP. Using this report as a launch pad, the IOP convened a series of five Solving Skills Summits and heard from more than 100 physics-powered employers, education providers and government representatives from across the UK and Ireland.
