The government’s great apprenticeship drive is failing to deliver on its targets a new report has found, with enrollments tanking for the under twenty fives.
The Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission found that those starting apprenticeships aged under-25 rose by just four percent from 2010-14, despite the government’s best efforts.
The numbers rose by 17 percent for over-25s seeking apprenticeships, which is the opposite of what the government hoped for, as they aim to make apprenticeships an alternative to university.
Nevertheless the commission welcomed the government’s efforts to improve the number and quality of apprenticeships, however the study noted that the vast majority of apprentices were studying at levels below their age and ability.
Over-25s
“The overall growth in apprenticeship starts has been driven by large increases in participation by over-25s,” the report said.
“While youth apprenticeships have roughly flatlined since the early years of the decade, starts by over 25s are over 150,000 higher in 2014/15 compared to 2009/10.
“In comparison to this increase there were over 5,000 fewer apprenticeship starts by under-19s in 2014/15 compared to 2010/11.
“And there were around 1,000 fewer 19-24 apprenticeship starts in 2014/15 compared to 2011/12.”
If this was projected forward, then adult apprenticeship starts would continue to increase, while youth starts would stagnate or decline, it added.
Last week was National Apprentice Week and to mark it we interviewed Carol Muldoon, who founded the successful apprenticeship scheme at Starbucks you can read it here .
Robert joined the HRreview editorial team in October 2015. After graduating from the University of Salford in 2009 with a BA in Politics, Robert has spent several years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past he has been part of editorial teams at Flux Magazine, Mondo*Arc Magazine and The Marine Professional.