Reform measures by the government could potentially damage the trustworthiness and wide scope of apprenticeship programs, according to the CIPD.
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The current government has announced an ambitious plan to increase apprenticeship opportunities for young people, with a proposed guarantee for all 16-24-year-olds [1]. However, it's important to note that this guarantee does not guarantee an apprenticeship for every young person in this age range [3][4].
Instead, the government is implementing policies such as the Youth Guarantee, which ensures that all 18-21-year-olds have access to training, apprenticeships, or support in finding work [3][4]. For 16-18-year-olds, education or training (including apprenticeships) is compulsory until at least their 18th birthday [2].
The Youth Guarantee is currently being tested in 8 pilot regions in England, and it's part of a wider government effort to tackle youth unemployment and skills gaps [3][4]. The government also requires apprenticeship providers to verify eligibility and support apprentices aged 16-18 with skills development, such as English and maths [1], indicating a focus on quality and skill attainment in apprenticeship programmes.
The proposed apprenticeship guarantee is intended to address high levels of youth unemployment, economic inactivity, and technical skills shortages [1]. To support this, the government has announced 120,000 new training opportunities for young people [1].
However, the decision to restrict government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships to those aged 16 to 21 may not meaningfully boost youth participation in these programmes, as fewer than one in 10 apprentices who train at Level 7 fall within this age bracket [1].
The research suggests overwhelming employer support for the proposed apprenticeship guarantee model, with 89% of employers supporting the idea [1]. However, there are concerns that shortening apprenticeship programs may damage the reputation and long-term credibility of apprenticeships, as England currently offers some of the shortest apprenticeships internationally [1]. The minimum duration of apprenticeships has been lowered from 12 months to eight months [1].
New foundation apprenticeships will be introduced for individuals aged 16 to 21, starting in August [1]. A more nuanced approach to managing the cost of delivering higher-level apprenticeships is suggested, such as reduced subsidies for older apprentices [1]. This approach is part of a more ambitious plan to expand opportunities and rebalance the system in favor of young people [1].
In conclusion, while the government's apprenticeship guarantee for young people is a step towards addressing youth unemployment and skills shortages, it's crucial to consider the potential impact of shortening apprenticeship programmes and the limited applicability of the Level 7 funding restriction to the current landscape of apprenticeships.
References:
[1] Government Press Release: "More than 120,000 new training opportunities for young people", 27 May 2021. [2] GOV.UK: "Education and training for 16 to 18-year-olds", 2021. [3] House of Commons Library: "Apprenticeships: 16-18 year olds", 2021. [4] House of Commons Library: "Youth Guarantee", 2021.
- The government's focus on education-and-self-development, as seen in their apprenticeship plan and the Youth Guarantee, is part of a wider policy-and-legislation effort to address youth unemployment and skills gaps in the general-news.
- The debate surrounding the proposed apprenticeship guarantee model and potential changes to apprenticeship programs signals the intersection of education-and-self-development, policy-and-legislation, and politics, as stakeholders weigh the benefits and drawbacks for young people's futures.
