Businesses urged to take on apprentices

As young people across the country work out what to do with their GCSE results, businesses are being urged to consider offering apprenticeships.

Companies recommend apprenticeships

A poll by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills shows 8 out of 10 companies who have taken on apprentices would recommend the schemes to other employers. And almost the same proportion of young people who completed apprenticeships say they had been really positive for their skill development, improving their job prospects and making them more employable.

Business Secretary Vince Cable says the training schemes could also be good for companies looking to hire staff to aid their business growth.

He says: “Building a skilled workforce, partly through apprenticeships, will give employers the skills they need to build a stronger economy throughout the UK.”

He adds that the number of young people taking apprenticeships had increased by more than 80% over the last two years. This may in part be to do with young people deciding they want to avoid the debts involved with going to university by going straight into the workplace.

Research also shows that 54% of young people in England would choose to do an apprenticeship if there was a suitable one available.

School leavers choosing work over university

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock says: “We want more employers to take advantage of the advice and support available from the National Apprenticeship Service and consider how hiring an apprentice could benefit their business. Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly attractive option for school leavers who want to forge a successful career by earning while they learn.”

He is urging those who have just found out how they did in their GCSEs and A-levels to consider whether an apprenticeship could help them achieve their career ambitions.

He adds: “We want it to become the new norm that young people go either to university or into an apprenticeship.”

With large numbers of young people looking for skill development and to start their careers, apprenticeships can be a good way for businesses to add to their workforce and bring some young blood and enthusiasm into the workplace.

Small businesses could also get a grant of up to £1,500 from the National Apprenticeship Service.