Building a bridge to the professions

Purpose PwC is currently working with a broad cross‐section of employers in the UK to create a new Higher Apprenticeship for the professional services. The purpose of this paper is to explore the environment and drivers for the creation of the new Higher Apprenticeship framework, the work PwC is leading to develop it and the outlook for Higher Apprenticeships in the professions. Design/methodology/approach The information provided in this case study is drawn from the organisation's own work in creating a new Higher Apprenticeship Framework. It expands on research undertaken by PwC. Findings Creating a skilled workforce is consistently the number one priority for CEOs worldwide. Whilst graduate recruitment has been the long established route into professions such as accountancy, consulting and law, employers are looking to offer a wider range of different entry routes that enable them to attract and recruit from a broader, more diverse talent pool. Originality/value Employers are now playing a more active role in the design and delivery of programmes that will provide them with the pipeline of skilled people they need. The paper highlights how the higher apprenticeship currently in development will respond to these needs and how PwC propose to progress this further.