Automation’s advance is likely to increase the importance of apprenticeships. The interpersonal and technical skills that machines cannot master will be learned on the job. The status of the ‘learn while you earn’ route has been lost despite evidence that some degree-level apprenticeships can produce higher earnings than many ‘academic’ degrees. A key challenge is how to change the hearts and minds of British employers so that they embrace the Germanic culture of valuing quality training in the workplace.
