Apprenticeships the key?

Apprenticeships are high on everyone’s agenda for getting people into work right now. The government is calling for more degree-level opportunities (not just unpaid internships) and is investing £25m to support 10,000 more advanced level apprenticeships in firms.

We have long been championing training into work and our experience tells us that it works for employers large and small as well as the candidates. Working, whilst learning, bolsters the success of the long term unemployed in re-entering the job market.  As youth unemployment creeps toward the one million mark, ELBA is keen to see companies capitalise on the growing prominence of today’s modern apprenticeship offer.

Working with our membership, we want to support the development of apprenticeships that are relevant and connected to the needs of today’s employer through a system that is simpler to navigate for all concerned.

ELBA companies have begun to support the delivery of apprenticeships, and will work with us to strengthen the local recruitment offer in this new flexible way.

But a greater focus is required on young people if we want the apprenticeship offer to kick start economic growth.  Delivering attainment at higher levels to reduce skills gaps, raised standards in employability advice and ensuring there is a focus on key growth sectors such as green industries are also key.  Only with this sense of purpose and the growing support of Government funding for the schemes, can we move towards true job creation.

If you want to help call Davin Chagger of our employment team on 020 7068 6960 for an early conversation.