The UK risks failing to close its "chronic skills gaps" by continuing to push young people towards the university "default route", according to business leaders. A recent report from CBI suggests that a growing demand for high level technical skills cannot be met by traditional university courses alone, and it’s important for teens to consider apprenticeships as a viable alternative.
The report states that we must “widen gateways into skilled work and promote routes to higher skills that appeal to individuals for whom a degree may not be the best option." Vince Cable, Business Secretary, agrees “a credible alternative to university is needed to help young people get the skills that the economy needs”
With over 250 types of apprenticeships now available in a huge range of sectors, there’s no doubt that this kind of vocational training has undergone a considerable make-over in recent years. However, more work still needs to be done to ensure this ‘earn as you learn’ approach has parity of prestige with academic routes.
The Guardian recently reported that nearly two-thirds (63%) of parents don't understand apprenticeships well enough to explain them to their children. It’s a worrying statistic and indicative of a wider problem; young people need better access to broader careers advice from a young age. They need to receive realistic and practical guidance, including costs and likely outcomes, so they can ensure that they choose the right route for them. Improving the visibility of vocational training is a key part of this.
The Government’s new flagship Traineeships programme is set to launch this month which will help to raise the profile of vocational training, providing young people with a stepping stone to apprenticeships and responding to the needs of employers. The initiative will give young people the opportunity to develop the skills and workplace experience that employers want and put them in a better position to compete for an apprenticeship or job. A number of high profile companies including HSBC, BT, General Motors and Virgin Media have already committed to running the scheme.
At NCFE, as well as offering almost 50 full apprenticeship frameworks in a range of diverse sector areas, we support traineeships as a progression to apprenticeships. We offer a comprehensive “mix and match” package of over 130 qualifications that training providers can tailor to suit their needs and the needs of their learners. Our aim is to make life easier for our customers as you adapt your delivery to suit the new government demands, and support your learners to help them boost their skills and ultimately find sustained employment.
Ultimately, work based training allows young people to earn money, learn job specific skills, improve employability outcomes, receive training and gain qualifications. They offer employers the opportunity to harness fresh new talent, fill skills shortages, improve competitiveness and increase productivity. With such a range of benefits to the individual, to businesses and to the economy, it’s vital that we continue to raise the profile of apprenticeships and champion them amongst young people considering their future choices.
View more information on traineeships.
View more information on apprenticeships.
