The Association for Project Management (APM) is calling on government, employers and training providers to do more to create entry routes into the project profession as skills shortages put pressure on the delivery of major projects.
In a new report, APM argues that government-led projects should reserve a proportion of entry-level project roles, apprenticeships and trainee positions for young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs), subject to minimum requirements.
It says major programmes spanning infrastructure, digital transformation, NHS modernisation, housing and net zero could provide a route into project careers while also helping to address economic inactivity and employers’ skills needs.
Harvey McCabe, policy and public affairs manager at APM, said: “If the UK is serious about delivering the major projects needed for economic growth, it must be equally serious about building the next generation of project professionals.
“Too many young people, including NEETs, are currently outside the labour market at the same time as employers are struggling to find the skills needed to deliver projects.”
APM is also calling for reform of the Growth and Skills Levy to allow employers to use funding for recognised professional qualifications and certifications, alongside apprenticeships.
It argues that widening access to levy funding would help employers develop longer-term capability while giving individuals recognised pathways into project leadership.
The report also calls for project management to become a more visible career option for young people, supported by professional standards that give employers confidence in the competence being developed by early-career recruits.
APM’s recommendations include reviewing Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes and occupational mapping, and developing 10-year local project pipeline strategies to help ensure that skills developed through major projects remain within the regions where they are needed.
The proposals come as the profession faces concerns over both current skills shortages and the future talent pipeline.
APM research cited in the report found that 54% of project professionals are concerned about having the right skills to deliver projects successfully, while 57% said their organisation is concerned about a lack of skills to deliver current projects.
The longer-term pipeline is also a concern, with 61% of business leaders saying they do not believe there are enough project professionals coming through to sustain emerging sectors.
The report highlights the changing skills requirements associated with artificial intelligence. It says 88% of project managers identify AI capability as the most important skill for the next five years.
However, APM says future project professionals will need more than digital skills, highlighting communication, stakeholder management, risk awareness, ethical awareness and the ability to work in complex delivery environments as important capabilities.
McCabe said: “APM believes government-led projects should do more to create visible, supported entry routes into project professional careers.
“Reserving a proportion of entry-level project roles, apprenticeships and trainee positions for NEETs would help reduce economic inactivity, improve social value and give young people the practical experience needed to progress.”
He added that membership bodies such as APM had a role in setting professional standards, supporting employers and making project careers more accessible and future-ready.
