Project management skills gaps: why more employers are growing their own talent

Across the UK, employers are feeling the pressure when it comes to project delivery. Digital transformation, infrastructure work, net‑zero targets and service redesign projects are all moving at pace. However, the people needed to lead them aren’t always there.

For many organisations, particularly SMEs, ambition is being hindered by a lack of experienced project management ability, especially at mid to senior level. Recruiting experienced project managers is expensive, competition for talent is fierce, and relying on contractors or over‑stretched internal teams often leads to delays, cost overruns and inconsistent results. 
 
So the question becomes: how do you build sustainable project resources without constantly firefighting recruitment gaps? 

Why recruitment alone isn’t fixing the problem 

Many employers default to hiring when skills gaps appear, but that approach has limitations when it comes to project management. 

Experienced project managers are in high demand, salaries continue to rise and new hires still need time to understand your organisation, culture and ways of working. 
 
At the same time, internal staff with the potential to step into project leadership roles often don’t get the structured development they need and end up learning through pressure rather than support, which isn’t good for people or projects. 
 

Apprenticeships: a practical, long‑term solution 

This is where apprenticeships can change the picture. Rather than trying to buy in experience at a premium, apprenticeships allow employers to build project capability from within. 
 
Project management apprenticeships combine formal training with real‑world delivery. Apprentices learn how to plan, manage risk, lead teams and communicate with stakeholders, all while working on live projects. 

The result is capability that grows alongside your organisation, not separate from it. 
 

What this looks like in practice 

For employers, taking on a project management apprentice can help to: 

• Develop future project managers who understand your organisation from day one 
• Reduce reliance on contractors and short‑term fixes 
• Strengthen delivery across teams, not just within a single role 
• Create clear progression routes for ambitious staff.

Because apprentices are applying learning to real projects immediately, the impact is practical and measurable. 
 

Why employers work with Total People 

At Total People, we support employers to develop confident, project professionals through high‑quality apprenticeships that fit around real business needs.  

We will work closely with you to understand your organisation, your projects and your priorities, so the training adds value from the start. 
 
Our focus is on building project managers who can lead, communicate and deliver in complex, fast‑moving environments.  

From onboarding through to end‑point assessment, we support both the apprentice and the employer every step of the way. 
 

Ready to explore what this could look like for your business? 

If project management skills gaps are holding your organisation back, growing your own talent could be the answer. Apprenticeships offer a practical, funded route to building sustainable capability without the constant churn of recruitment. 
 
Visit the Total People Employer Hub to find out how taking on an apprentice works, what funding is available, and how we support you through the whole process.