Building a stronger care workforce: How Apprenticeships can help

The State of Caring 2025 report shows that Adult Social Care is under serious pressure. Demand is rising, but there aren’t enough trained care workers. Unpaid carers, councils, and employers are all feeling the strain.

At t2 we know that Apprenticeships can help. They give people the skills they need and support employers in building a stronger, more sustainable workforce.

Here’s why Apprenticeships matter.

Workforce shortages are getting worse

The report shows 76% of Adult Social Care Directors are seeing more demand, with unpaid carers turning to councils for help.

Apprenticeships provide a way to fill these gaps. They train new staff, help existing employees develop skills, and give people an accessible path into Adult Care roles.

Caring takes a heavy toll

We know caring isn’t easy. The report found:

• 74% of carers feel stressed or anxious
• 68% say they need more support for their own health
• 49% are cutting back on essentials due to financial strain

Training can help. Including wellbeing, resilience, mental health awareness, and person-centred care in Apprenticeships gives staff the tools they need to cope and provide high-quality care.

Helping people return to work

Many carers put their careers on hold:

• 69% haven’t focused on their career
• 35% reduced their working hours

Apprenticeships are perfect for people returning to work or balancing caring responsibilities. They offer structured training, on-the-job experience, and clear career paths.

Why Apprenticeships matter

The care sector is struggling, but there’s hope. Apprenticeships give people the skills they need and help employers create stronger, more sustainable teams. With the right training, your workforce can grow, carers can get the support they need, and communities can receive better care.

Apprenticeships help by:

• Bringing in new, skilled staff
• Supporting wellbeing and resilience
• Providing career paths for people returning to work
• Helping employers meet new government rules
• Building long-term workforce stability

At t2 group, we specialise in Adult Care and Management Apprenticeships that are designed to meet the real needs of the sector.

If you’re an employer looking to grow and strengthen your workforce, our experts can provide the guidance, and support your team needs to thrive.