Advising on Apprenticeships

28 February 11 News Articles

The Government has pledged its commitment to increasing the number of young people taking on an Apprenticeship. Prime Minister, David Cameron said recently,

“Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity for people to gain the skills they need for the jobs of the future, equipping the country for our goal to build long-term sustainable growth.”

“That is why, despite some difficult decisions on spending, we are boosting the number of Apprenticeships. We think this is absolutely vital not just to help people into work for the short-term but to make sure they can have successful long-term careers.”

As initiatives to raise the profile of Apprenticeships continue, there is a focus on ensuring that all young people receive information, advice and guidance to enable them to decide whether an Apprenticeship is right for them.

John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning said recently,

“This Government is committed to improving and expanding the Apprenticeships offer. We are doing this because we know that they work. Apprenticeships help employers achieve the workforce they need to grow. They also help many people to build successful careers, which means they will not only earn more but lead more fulfilling lives.

Apprenticeships serve a vital economic purpose and this government will ensure a very dramatic increase in the number of Apprenticeships over this Parliament.

“My ambition is to create more places for apprentices than this country has ever seen. We will create a record number of Apprenticeships.”

So how can schools ensure that they offer young people information and advice on all the options available to them, including Apprenticeships?

• Kudos and Careerscape offer impartial information on each career and highlight Apprenticeships alongside other entry routes and training options.

• Careerscape includes a dedicated article on Apprenticeships including what’s involved, sources for further information and a video showing real-life experiences of Apprenticeships.

• Careerscape explores ‘Options at 16′ and ‘Options at 18′, with information on Apprenticeships alongside other education, training and employment options.

• Career Family articles support young people who plan to do an Apprenticeship by helping them to decide on the right pathway. Articles such as ‘Construction – Craft Work’ look at the specialist trade routes that a young person could choose an Apprenticeship in.

• Weblinks to access both Kudos and Careerscape which enable young people to look at local Apprenticeship opportunities can be added to a Local Area Prospectus.

While an Apprenticeship may not be right for every young person, it is vital that everyone has the opportunity to find out about them.

By offering impartial information on all the routes available for a career, schools and advisers can ensure that each young person is equipped with the knowledge to decide whether an Apprenticeship is right for them.

You can subscribe to Kudos and Careerscape for the special package price of £419 + VAT saving £105. Price applies to a one year site licence and is valid until 31st December 2011.