5TH JUN 2025
Alan Mulrooney: Apprenticeships, Innovation and Shaping Gloucestershire's Future Workforce
Alan Mulrooney, a seasoned leader in both private consultancy and public sector workforce development, is helping shape Gloucestershire College’s forward-thinking apprenticeship strategy. In this interview, Alan shares his insights into how apprenticeships have evolved, what employers are really looking for, and how Gloucestershire is preparing the next generation for a fast-changing world of work.
Read the full Q&A for Alan’s take on trends, opportunities, and our vision for future-ready talent.
Can you tell us a bit about your background, and how you came to be in your current role?
My background spans both private-sector consultancy and public-sector innovation, with a strong focus on workforce development and skills strategy. I’ve always been passionate about bridging the gap between education and industry—ensuring that what we deliver in training is not only relevant but truly impactful for both learners and employers.
Earlier in my career, I held leadership roles in the leisure and hospitality sectors, where I was responsible for developing and leading high-performing teams. That hands-on experience taught me the value of nurturing talent from within and the long-term benefits of investing in people. I led staff development programmes, introduced structured training frameworks, and saw first-hand how targeted support could transform someone’s career trajectory—and a business’s bottom line.
From there, I moved into roles where I worked more strategically with regional businesses on skills planning, organisational development, and training consultancy. That broadened my understanding of sector-wide workforce challenges and the crucial role that apprenticeships and technical training can play in solving them.
I joined Gloucestershire College because I wanted to be part of the solution—bringing that frontline leadership experience together with my understanding of funding, programme design, and employer engagement. Today, I work with businesses to shape apprenticeship strategies that are tailored, future-focused, and commercially valuable—not just for bringing in new talent, but also for upskilling existing teams in areas like digital, leadership, and sustainability.
Do you think the perception of apprenticeships has changed in recent years?
Absolutely. The perception of apprenticeships has changed dramatically. They’re no longer seen as a fallback option to university—they’re now viewed as a flexible, respected route into skilled employment. That’s especially true with the rise of higher and degree apprenticeships, which allow people to earn while gaining qualifications that are equivalent to university degrees.
But perhaps the most significant shift is how apprenticeships are now being used—not just for school leavers, but as a powerful tool for upskilling and cross-training existing staff. Many employers we work with are using them to develop their teams in areas like digital, leadership, and sustainable technologies, particularly in response to fast-changing industry needs. That’s helped remove the old stigma and shown that apprenticeships are about lifelong learning as much as early career development.
For individuals, whether you’re 16 or 66, apprenticeships now represent a practical, forward-looking way to gain relevant skills and remain competitive in a shifting job market—without incurring student debt.
What key trends are currently shaping your apprenticeship programmes?
We’re seeing a stronger emphasis on digital skills across all sectors, not just tech-specific roles. Employers are also demanding more flexibility, so we’re adapting delivery models, including hybrid and block release formats. Sustainability and green skills are gaining traction too, especially in construction, engineering, and automotive.
With Gloucestershire positioned as the UK’s cyber capital and technology evolving rapidly, how do you ensure apprentice training remains current and relevant?
Our partnerships with leading cyber employers and organisations like CyNam are key. We also benefit from our proximity to hubs like Hub8 and initiatives like the Golden Valley development, which give us insight into what the future skills landscape looks like.
As the Golden Valley development progresses, what new opportunities do you foresee for apprenticeships in the region?
Golden Valley is a game-changer. It’s set to attract major tech and cyber players, which means demand for skilled talent will surge. We expect to see growth in cybersecurity, AI, green tech, and infrastructure roles. Apprenticeships will be central to supplying that talent pipeline, especially as many firms prefer to grow their own workforce from the ground up.
What are the main challenges employers face when engaging with apprenticeships, and what can be done to encourage more businesses to get involved?
One of the main challenges—particularly for SMEs—is that the apprenticeship system can seem complex and time-consuming to navigate. There’s often uncertainty around eligibility, funding, compliance, and how to choose the right training provider or programme. On top of that, there can be a mismatch between the off-the-shelf qualifications available and the specific skills employers are looking to develop within their teams.
That’s where my role comes in. I work closely with employers to demystify the entire process, from helping them identify skills gaps and future workforce needs, to advising apprenticeship solutions that are genuinely aligned to their business objectives. I advise on everything from Levy strategy to co-investment options and programme selection, making sure employers are aware of the funding available and how to use it effectively—often unlocking support they didn’t know existed.
We tailor solutions that not only bring in new talent but also upskill and retain existing staff, which is increasingly critical in sectors facing talent shortages or undergoing rapid change.
To encourage more businesses to get involved, we need to continue raising awareness of the real return on investment apprenticeships offer—not just in terms of cost, but in productivity, retention, and future resilience. Employers often tell us that once they’ve gone through it once—with the right support—they’re much more confident and proactive about embedding apprenticeships into their wider workforce strategy.
Is there any exciting news, investment, or development on the horizon that you'd like to share?
One of the most exciting developments at Gloucestershire College is the opening of our £5.2 million Sustainable Construction Centre at the Cheltenham Campus, which officially launched in September 2024. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to train the next generation of construction professionals, with a strong emphasis on green technologies and sustainable practices.
The centre features 10 plumbing bays, 12 electrical bays, 20 carpentry bays, and four modern classrooms within a 14,000-square-foot space. It's equipped to train up to 164 learners per week, offering a range of courses from diplomas and T Levels to university-level qualifications and apprenticeships.
Sustainability is at the heart of this development. Students are taught eco-friendly construction techniques, including the use of smart technologies, renewable energy systems like solar PV and ground-source heat pumps, waste minimisation, water conservation, and sustainable design principles. The building itself embodies these values, featuring air-source heat pumps, high levels of insulation, and electricity sourced from on-campus solar generation and battery storage facilities.
By providing cutting-edge training in sustainable construction, we're ensuring that our students are well-prepared to meet the demands of these ambitious developments and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
We're proud to be at the forefront of sustainable construction education, supporting both our student's career aspirations and the region's commitment to a greener future.
Whether you're looking to attract fresh talent, upskill your existing workforce, or future-proof your business, apprenticeships offer a flexible and cost-effective solution. From tailored training aligned to your organisation’s goals, to access to government funding and expert guidance, there’s never been a better time to explore what apprenticeships can do for your team.
To find out how Gloucestershire College can support your business with apprenticeship solutions, get in touch with our dedicated Employer Training & Apprenticeships Team today at employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk or find out more on our dedicated Employer page below.
