As a final year student, my main concern is to get a good grade and secure a graduate job. One of the most paradoxical situations students face is how to gain experience, if nobody is ready to give you a job in the first place! Hence, it is interesting to see the significant growth in government initiatives and the increase in investment in apprenticeships, in order to encourage students aged between 16 and 19, to gain relevant work experience and develop employability skills.
The government’s achievement in starting 2 million apprenticeships since 2010 plays a pivotal role in the employability of high school students and graduates. With the ultimate aim to support the long-term economic plan, the scheme essentially bridges the gap between education and practical skills, by increasing employer participation and encouraging the youth to start developing technical skills at an early age.
The futuristic view of the trailblazer apprenticeships allows employees to address noticeable skills gaps in the industry in the long-run. The scheme supports a range of industries including public and professional services, engineering, and construction, aerospace and so on. It is currently supported by over a thousand employers around the UK, and its growing awareness will enable the government to achieve its long term economic goal.
Here at NCFE, we support the value of apprenticeships , reflected by our wide ranging apprenticeship offer. Our programmes are designed to best fit the learners’ abilities and can be tailored to address individual skills gaps.
With a whopping average of 20% unemployed graduates for the first 6 months after attaining their degree, it is good to see an increase in the availability of apprenticeships with more government support and investment. It gives young people another option.
As a student myself, I have first-hand experience with difficulties of applying university education in the work field. Therefore, policies and programmes that hone employability and vocational skills at an early age, encourage young people to explore the different training pathways available while simultaneously allowing employers to build necessary talent pool needed for the industry.
