Every business runs projects, and today, that increasingly means confronting a growing project management skills gap. Whether it’s introducing new systems, improving internal processes, delivering work for clients or launching a new product or service, projects are how organisations grow and adapt. Behind every successful project is someone keeping it on track, managing stakeholders, balancing priorities and making sure objectives are delivered.
The challenge is that many of the people doing that haven’t had the opportunity to develop those skills through formal training.
Across the UK, employers are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit experienced project managers, while many existing employees are taking on project responsibilities as part of their role. They’re capable people who understand their organisation, but leading projects requires its own set of skills.
Research from the Association for Project Management (APM) highlights a growing skills gap across the profession. As demand for experienced project professionals continues to grow, more businesses are looking at how they can develop talent from within rather than relying solely on recruitment.
For employers, that’s becoming less of a nice idea and more of a practical business decision.
The project management skills gap is growing
Project management has become one of the most valuable skills a business can have. As organisations continue to invest in change, whether that’s adopting new technology, improving services or responding to changing customer needs, the number of projects being delivered continues to grow.
At the same time, finding people with the right skills has become increasingly difficult.
Research from the Association for Project Management (APM) found that 83% of SMEs report a skills gap in project management. Confidence among UK business leaders in their ability to recruit people with the right project management skills has also fallen to just 38%, the lowest level recorded. That 83% figure is one of the clearest signs yet of a project management skills gap that isn’t going away on its own.
That’s creating a challenge for businesses of every size. Competition for experienced project professionals is increasing, while many organisations are asking existing employees to take on project responsibilities alongside their day-to-day role.
In many cases, those employees already have the knowledge of the business and the confidence of their colleagues. What they’re often missing is the structured training that helps them manage projects consistently, engage stakeholders effectively and deal with risks before they become problems.
The impact can be significant. Around one in four projects fail to achieve their intended business outcomes, with skills shortages regularly identified as one of the factors affecting successful delivery.
For employers, that makes investing in project management capability more than just a learning and development decision. It’s about giving people the skills to deliver projects successfully, reduce risk and help the business achieve its objectives.
Developing the project managers you already have
For many businesses facing a project management skills gap, the answer isn’t always to recruit. It’s to invest in the people who are already there.
Project management often becomes part of someone’s role over time. A team member might be asked to lead a new initiative, coordinate colleagues across different departments or take responsibility for delivering a key piece of work. Before long, they’re managing projects, even if their job title doesn’t say so.
That’s a valuable opportunity, but it’s also where many businesses can benefit from giving people the right support.
Recent analysis from Skills England highlights what’s been described as the “missing middle”. Across the UK, there’s a shortage of people qualified at Levels 4 and 5, where professionals move beyond supporting projects to leading them. It’s also an area where UK employers continue to report skills shortages.
For employees, gaining a recognised qualification at this level builds confidence and provides a clearer understanding of how to plan projects, manage risk, engage stakeholders and keep delivery on track.
For employers, it means developing project managers who can apply recognised best practice while working on real projects within the business. Instead of relying on trial and error, they’re building the knowledge and behaviours needed to deliver successful outcomes more consistently.
That’s why more organisations are investing in structured development through apprenticeships. Rather than taking employees away from the workplace, apprentices continue contributing to live projects while developing the skills and confidence to take on greater responsibility.
For businesses looking to strengthen their project management capability, it’s a practical way to develop talent from within while investing in skills that will continue to add value long after the apprenticeship has finished.
Where Aspire fits
At Aspire, we help businesses close the project management skills gap through our Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship, which includes the Association for Project Management (APM) Project Management Qualification (PMQ).
The programme is designed for people who are ready to take on project management responsibilities, as well as those already leading projects who want to build their knowledge and gain a recognised professional qualification.
Learners develop practical skills in project planning, stakeholder engagement, risk management, leadership and communication, applying what they learn to live projects throughout the programme. That means employers see the benefits as the apprenticeship progresses, not just when it’s completed.
Just as importantly, we support employers every step of the way.
Every organisation we work with is assigned a dedicated Skills Coach, while progress reviews are led by a Director or Head Of, not a call centre. We work closely with employers and learners to make sure training fits around the needs of the business and delivers lasting value.
For many employers, it’s about more than achieving a qualification. It’s about building the confidence, capability and consistency needed to deliver successful projects now and in the future.
Let’s talk
If you’re looking to develop project management skills within your organisation, we’d be happy to help.
Whether you’re supporting someone who’s stepping into project management for the first time or investing in an experienced employee’s professional development, we’ll help you understand the apprenticeship, the funding available and the best route for your business.
Call 0808 231 2477
Email qualify@cips-training.com
Visit www.cips-training.com
Project management skills gap FAQs
What is the project management skills gap?
It’s the shortfall between the number of businesses that need experienced project managers and the number of people qualified to lead projects — currently reported by 83% of UK SMEs, according to APM research.
How can businesses close the project management skills gap?
Many are developing existing employees through structured apprenticeships, such as a Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship, rather than relying solely on recruitment.
What qualification does Aspire’s project management apprenticeship include?
The Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship includes the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ), a recognised industry standard.