At Babington, we are committed to supporting workforce development across various industries, including the public sector. Leading our efforts in this space is Gareth Graham, Head of Customer Engagement – Public Sector. With a wealth of experience in apprenticeships and skills development, Gareth plays a key role in helping public sector organisations build future-ready workforces.
In this Q&A, Gareth shares his background, insights on the evolving landscape of public sector apprenticeships, and his vision for Babington’s role in shaping the future of workforce development.
A Career Dedicated to Public Sector Skills Development
Can you tell us a bit about your professional background and experience?
“With over 15 years of experience in further education and apprenticeships, I have specialised in workforce development within the public sector, working extensively with organisations such as the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and the NHS.
As a senior leader, I’ve led key accounts and business development teams, delivering large-scale skills and training solutions that align with government priorities. My expertise lies in building strategic partnerships, navigating complex procurement landscapes, and ensuring that apprenticeship and training programmes drive real impact for public sector workforces.
I’m passionate about supporting public sector organisations to develop talent pipelines, upskill employees, and create long-term, sustainable workforce strategies.”
Joining Babington: A Strategic Move
What attracted you to this role at Babington?
“I’ve known Babington for some time by reputation and have always been impressed by their commitment to high-quality skills development. The opportunity to join as Head of Customer Engagement – Public Sector was incredibly exciting, given the organisation’s growth ambitions and strong focus on supporting public sector workforces.”
What are your areas of expertise, and how do they align with your new role?
“My expertise lies in apprenticeship strategy, workforce development, and managing large-scale partnerships. Having worked extensively with government departments such as the MoD, MoJ, DWP, and the NHS, I understand the unique challenges and priorities of public sector organisations when it comes to skills development.
In my role at Babington, I’m focussed on leveraging this experience to build partnerships that drive workforce capability, improve apprenticeship outcomes, and support the long-term skills agenda within government and public services.”
Priorities and Vision for Public Sector Apprenticeships
What are your key priorities in your new position?
“My focus is to drive growth for Babington in the public sector and create new opportunities that align with the evolving skills needs of government organisations.”
How do you envision the future of public sector apprenticeships at Babington?
“The future will be shaped by changes in apprenticeship strategy and funding, particularly with the introduction of the Skills and Growth Levy and shifts in funding models.
As these changes take effect, I’ll be working closely with public sector partners to help them navigate reforms and implement apprenticeship programmes that meet both their immediate and long-term workforce needs.”
Industry Insights: Trends Shaping Public Sector Apprenticeships
What trends do you see shaping the future of skills development in the public sector?
“There are several key trends that I see shaping the way we approach apprenticeships in the public sector:
- Skills for the Future – With rapid changes in technology and workplace demands, there’s a growing emphasis on upskilling employees. Apprenticeships will play a key role in ensuring public sector workforces are equipped with the right skills for tomorrow’s challenges.
- Focus on Career Progression – More public sector bodies are recognising the value of apprenticeships in supporting career development. We’re working to offer tailored, flexible learning options that help individuals progress in their careers.
- Digital Skills – The push for digital transformation across government organisations is opening up new career pathways, and apprenticeships are a fantastic way to equip people with the technical skills needed for the future.
- Inclusive Workforce Development – Apprenticeships are a great way to ensure diversity and accessibility in the workforce. We’re seeing more initiatives aimed at attracting individuals from all backgrounds into public sector roles through apprenticeship schemes.”
Staying Ahead: Keeping Babington at the Forefront of Industry Developments
How do you plan to keep Babington at the forefront of apprenticeship and skills development in the public sector?
“It’s all about staying ahead of trends and continuously evolving our approach. At Babington, we’re committed to:
- Building strong partnerships with public sector organisations to ensure our apprenticeship programmes are aligned with their evolving needs.
- Embracing innovative learning tools, including blended and hybrid models, to offer flexible and engaging training.
- Leveraging data and insights to refine and improve our apprenticeship offerings.
- Remaining agile and proactive in response to funding and policy changes.
By focussing on these areas, we can ensure we not only keep pace with industry developments but also play a role in shaping the future of public sector apprenticeships.”
Challenges and Solutions in Public Sector Skills Development
What challenges do you anticipate, and how do you plan to address them?
“One of the main challenges I anticipate is the shifting funding landscape, particularly with the introduction of the Skills and Growth Levy and pressures on public sector budgets. Many organisations will be looking for ways to optimise their workforce while managing costs.
To address this, I plan to stay closely engaged with Skills England and other key stakeholders to ensure Babington remains well-positioned to support public sector partners through these changes. We’ll also continue to highlight the return on investment that well-structured apprenticeship programmes can provide to organisations.”
A Passion for People and Progress
What motivates you in your work?
“I’m driven by the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s careers through apprenticeships and skills development. Seeing individuals progress and watching organisations grow as a result of strong training programmes is incredibly rewarding.”
Outside of work, what are your interests?
“When I’m not working, I spend a lot of time with my two boys. I also coach youth football and enjoy playing golf when I get the chance. I’m a big fan of cinema, and I love travelling whenever possible to explore new places and experiences.”
Final Thoughts & How to Connect
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our community?
“The public sector plays a critical role in society and ensuring that its workforce is well-equipped for the future is more important than ever. Apprenticeships and skills development will continue to be at the heart of building resilient, capable teams within government and public services. I’m excited to work with organisations to help them navigate these changes and develop their workforce strategies.”
How can stakeholders, students, or partners get in touch with you?
Email: [email protected]
At Babington, we are committed to shaping the future of public sector workforce development and look forward to working with partners to create meaningful, future-focussed training solutions.
