Responding to the announcement of the two millionth apprenticeship of the current Parliament by the Government today (Tuesday 9 December), Katerina Rüdiger, Head of Skills and Policy Campaigns at the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, said:
“Today’s news that the Government has successfully fulfilled its promise of starting two million apprentices during this Parliament is very positive, and it’s encouraging to see the number of employers recognising apprenticeships as a valuable route into the labour market.
“Despite this steady progress, apprenticeships are still not a game-changer in the world of work. Every day, employers are creating new opportunities across a broad range of industries but there is still a low awareness of schemes, particularly amongst young people and parents. According to CIPD research, 40% of apprenticeships currently receive just five or fewer applications and only 15% of parents say that they have received enough information on apprenticeship schemes.
“A further challenge lies in the unwarranted but enduring perception that apprenticeships are ’second-rate’ to a university experience when it comes to entering the workplace; in fact, the ratio of young people applying for higher apprenticeships versus university degrees is still only one in every ninety. In their efforts to prepare young people for future careers, schools and colleges need to be actively promoting apprenticeships alongside university education as an equal and valuable route into the world of work.
“Employers can also work together with schools to engage with young people as they approach the end of their secondary education. Careers fairs and insights talks, online platforms, mentoring and work experience are just some of the ways to do this and are an excellent opportunity to provide young people and their parents with the information they need to recognise apprenticeships for the progressive and rewarding career paths that they can create.”
