New apprenticeships down by a half in some UK regions despite efforts to promote them
NEW apprenticeships are down by half in some regions of Britain despite a push to get youngsters into the work schemes.
Despite a push to get more trainee workers into businesses, analysis by Labour show that on average people joining the programmes are down by a third outside London.
It comes as The Sun on Sunday’s Builder Better Britain campaign urged more youngsters to get into work via an apprenticeship.
The stats show that the North East is the worst affected, seeing the number nearly halve and the North West seeing starts fall by more than 40 percent.
In the North East there were 38,340 apprenticeships in 2011/12 but only 19,700 last year.
The region with the lowest fall in apprenticeship starts was London, which saw starts drop by a fifth.
Bridget Phillipson MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, said: “Our analysis is further proof that the Conservatives’ promise to ‘level up’ opportunities for young people across this country lies in tatters.
“By harnessing the ambition and determination of British people, a Labour government will face these challenges and create a skills system that works for businesses and for people across our country.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said “we know there is more to do to make sure more young people can climb the ladder of opportunity.”
They added: “That’s why we are making £2.7 billion available by 2025 to support businesses to create more apprenticeship opportunities, we are promoting apprenticeships to young people through our Get the Jump campaign, and we are working with UCAS to expand the service so students can search and apply for apprenticeships, alongside degrees.
“We also want to ensure smaller employers have access to the apprenticeships they need to meet their ambitions, fill their skills gaps, and grow their businesses which is why small employers who do not pay the levy will no longer be limited to a maximum of 10 new apprenticeship starts, and will be able to recruit as many apprentices as their business needs.”