The UK is facing a critical digital skills shortage.
Eight in ten businesses report difficulty finding candidates with the right digital and AI capabilities. At the same time, gender inequality persists across the workforce – and nowhere is this more evident than in technology and leadership roles.
Apprenticeships for women offer a practical, scalable solution to both challenges.
The Reality of the Gender Gap in Tech
Despite progress, women in UK tech earn 7% less than men in full-time roles, and across all employees, the gap rises to 13.1%.
This disparity persists even in high-demand digital and AI-related positions. For women aged 50–59, the pay gap reaches 18.9%, equivalent to 69 unpaid days per year. These figures are alarming because senior women often hold leadership or specialist roles in tech – yet remain undervalued.
The UK ranks 18th among major economies for workplace gender equality, falling behind peers in earnings and participation in STEM and digital sectors. This signals slower progress in tech inclusion and highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Automation and the Risk for Women
Microsoft research shows that roles focused on knowledge work, writing, and communication — areas where women are overrepresented — are among the most vulnerable to automation. Without upskilling, women risk being disproportionately affected by technological disruption. Apprenticeships for women provide a structured pathway to acquire future-proof skills in leadership, data, and AI, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.
Why Apprenticeships for Women Matter
Apprenticeships for women are not just about learning; they are about empowerment. They offer:
- Career Progression: Women gain qualifications while earning, removing financial barriers to development.
- Confidence Building: Structured learning boosts self-belief, enabling women to step into leadership roles.
- Flexibility: Apprenticeships allow women to balance work, learning, and life commitments.
For employers, investing in apprenticeships for women drives diversity, innovation, and retention. Diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones, and businesses that champion gender equity are better positioned to attract top talent.
Inside Instep UK’s Women in Leadership Apprenticeships
Instep UK’s Women in Leadership programmes are designed to address these challenges head-on. These programmes have achieved a 100% QAR rate, with outstanding learner satisfaction and tangible career progression outcomes. Participants report increased confidence, improved emotional intelligence, and readiness for senior roles.
Level 3: Team Leader/Supervisor
This programme focuses on building foundational leadership skills for women stepping into management roles. It covers:
- Managing teams effectively.
- Communication and influencing skills.
- Understanding emotional intelligence in leadership.
Level 5: Operations/Departmental Manager
For women aiming for senior leadership, Level 5 develops:
- Strategic thinking and decision-making.
- Leading organisational change.
- Building inclusive cultures and driving performance.
Both programmes combine workshops, mentoring, and practical projects, creating a safe space for women to share experiences and learn collaboratively.
Explore more about these programmes here.
Women Leading Change: Success Stories from Our Apprenticeships
Real stories show the transformative power of apprenticeships for women. Here are two examples from our Level 5 Women in Leadership programme:
Case Study 1: Senior Pay & Benefits Officer – Pret a Manger
“I wanted to learn more about operating as an effective leader. I’ve led teams for over ten years, but this longer-term programme gives me the opportunity to engage with other women and learn new ideas I can apply to my leadership role. The workshops are an open and safe space to reflect on emotional intelligence and leadership approaches. I’m becoming more self-reflective instead of reactive, and I now understand how to navigate different personalities and learning styles.”
Case Study 2: Data Protection Officer – Food and Beverages Industry
“I joined the programme to step out of my comfort zone and develop my leadership style. It’s helping me address imposter syndrome and strengthen my confidence. Even in the early stages, I’m bridging practical and knowledge gaps, becoming more strategic and self-assured, and laying the foundation for future growth.”
Business Impact of Apprenticeships for Women
Apprenticeships for women don’t just transform individuals, they deliver measurable business impact.
Here are examples of how leadership development drives organisational success:
Charlotte Hindle-Rennie – Operational Excellence Process Engineer, Markerstudy
Charlotte joined the Women+ in Leadership Level 5 programme to enhance her leadership and stakeholder management skills. The results speak for themselves:
- £171K savings through automation of debt collection.
- Led a major book transfer project, ensuring data accuracy and long-term efficiencies.
- Improved collaboration and engagement across departments. Charlotte is now on track for promotion to Senior Engineer and advocates for her team to join the programme.
Jane Caton – Creative Design Manager, Markerstudy
Jane expanded her leadership skills and business acumen through the programme:
- Introduced TED Talk discussions and structured team huddles to boost engagement.
- Applied conflict resolution training to foster collaboration.
- Implemented an 8-step brand framework, improving consistency and customer trust. Her contributions have driven efficiency, engagement, and strategic execution — clear evidence of ROI.
These examples show that apprenticeships for women are not just a development tool; they are a strategic investment that enhances performance, innovation, and profitability.
Closing the Skills Gap Through Inclusion
The digital skills gap is widening. With 80% of UK firms struggling to find candidates with the right digital and AI skills, businesses cannot afford to overlook half the talent pool. Apprenticeships for women create a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to lead in tech-driven environments.
Instep UK’s programmes don’t just teach skills – they build confidence, resilience, and leadership capability. They empower women to thrive in roles that matter, from operations management to data-driven decision-making.
Watch how we’re driving gender equity in tech through initiatives like our AI Skills Sanity Check Webinar, which is a no-fluff, no-fear roundtable where we gathered female leaders to unpack what AI really means for the UK workforce, and what skills we actually need to thrive in a world of algorithms, automation, and ChatGPT.
Watch it here.
How Employers Can Champion Apprenticeships for Women
Employers play a critical role in closing the gender gap. Here’s how to start:
- Audit Representation: Understand where women are underrepresented in leadership and tech roles.
- Invest in Development: Partner with providers like Instep UK to deliver tailored programmes.
- Create Mentorship Networks: Pair women apprentices with experienced leaders for guidance.
- Measure Impact: Track progression, retention, and diversity metrics to demonstrate ROI.
Supporting apprenticeships for women is not just a moral imperative – it’s a business strategy.
Companies that invest in inclusive development programmes:
- Close critical skills gaps in leadership and technology.
- Future-proof their workforce against automation and AI disruption.
- Enhance employer brand by demonstrating commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Take Action Today
The gender gap in tech will not close on its own.
Apprenticeships for women offer a proven, practical solution to build skills, confidence, and leadership capability. Whether you’re an employer seeking to strengthen your talent pipeline or an individual ready to advance your career, now is the time to act.
Discover how Instep UK can help you champion apprenticeships for women and create a more inclusive, future-ready workforce.
