Apprenticeships ‘must not leave adults behind’

An expert has suggested that apprenticeship schemes should do more to help adults looking for a change of career and not just concentrate on attracting school leavers to ensure that Britain's skills demand is met.

National Apprenticeship Service spokeswoman Shagufta Mustafa stressed the importance of helping job seekers get back into work and claimed a growing number of older individuals are looking to retrain in new industries.

"It is important that we get opportunities right for young people to boost their skills and get on at work, but we must not leave behind adults," she explained. "It is vital that we continue to invest in the existing workforce."

Ms Mustafa welcomed the government's plans to invest a further £150 million in the Train to Gain scheme and said thousands of older workers are likely to benefit from the support provided by the initiative.

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Posted by Hayley Edwards