The government has set a very ambitious target of creating 3 million apprenticeships during the life of this parliament. At a recent conference Prime Minister David Cameron told the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) that the options for young people will be university or an apprenticeship, they really do mean it.
Whilst government work on this target they are mainly focused on getting businesses to support the agenda and create more apprenticeships. We know that employer’s value apprenticeships and many have made a huge investment in developing really good quality programmes in more than 1200 career roles. Employers have led the way with Trailblazers where they have created the learning outcomes for apprenticeships.
Now funding has become the focal point as government look to develop policy that calls on employers to pay a contribution to the apprenticeship training costs. For many business this “apprenticeship levy” is causing concern, some employers are suggesting that it may reduce the number of opportunities that they create where they have to absorb an increase in costs. Just parking the policy, funding and employer points of view for a moment we want to understand what young people think and feel about this government move.
Often we are told by our Young Members that they do not know all that is on offer through apprenticeships, that a stigma remains – apprenticeships are for the less academic, and that there is also a fear about not going to university.
Schools seem reluctant to open up the world of apprenticeships to students, relying on the traditional A ‘Level and university routes. Parents too, may have traditional views about apprenticeships being for construction or beauty careers rather than finance and banking, law or management. Very few people are aware of degree apprenticeships and the earning potential available.
How young people find impartial and quality information to help them make a really considered decision is also a challenge. When searching google for “apprenticeships” there are about 14,000,000 results. At a recent conference one young person asked the question of MP’s “Why is there just one easy to use website for applying to university – UCAS and so many for apprenticeships. It is complex and overwhelming to know where to go. I am lucky I know I am going to university”.
We want to know if you think 3 million young people will want an apprenticeship?
Are the perceptions changing or have you experienced some of the barriers we have mentioned?
Do you just want a university or apprenticeship option?
Log in to your account and share your views with us on this article so we can share what it is young people really need and want with policy makers.
