The choice of other people in England opting for to enrol in an apprenticeship has declined markedly during the last decade. Apprenticeship participation has fallen total from 908,700 in 2016-17 to 736,500 in 2023-24.
In particular notable has been a shift clear of apprenticeships offering introductory abilities for younger other people in opposition to them turning into upper stage {qualifications} for older adults.
In 2023-24, 55,660 under-19s had been collaborating in an intermediate apprenticeship, down from 75,500 in 2019-20. Alternatively, 185,810 over-25s had been taking part in the next stage apprenticeship in 2023-24 – up from 109,770 in 2019-20.
“Apprenticeship starts for the under-25s fell by 38% in the period 2015-16 to 2022-23,” training secretary Bridget Phillipson informed the Area of Commons in September 2024. “It will fall to this Labour government to turn that around.”
Persisted messaging from successive governments has emphasized that apprenticeships are for younger other people. “To every young person I meet my message is that no matter who you are, or where you’re from, or whatever career you want to do, an apprenticeship will open doors for you,” Robert Halfon, abilities minister within the earlier Conservative executive, stated in 2023.
Politicians provide a decline in younger other people taking apprenticeships as an issue. However it’s executive coverage that has became those {qualifications} into one thing a lot more appropriate for adults already within the personnel.
Employers first
A big reason why for that is adjustments to how apprenticeships paintings that lead them to extra centred at the function and wishes of employers.
The adjustments to apprenticeships since 2012 come with a levy on massive employers. Firms with an annual pay invoice of greater than £3 million pay 0.5% of this right into a time-limited pot that they are able to use for apprenticeships throughout the corporate or switch a share to smaller corporations.
Apprenticeships have additionally shifted from a focal point on reaching {qualifications} in opposition to assembly requirements that target the information, abilities and behaviours of a task and frequently come with a standing or reputation from a certified frame.
The employer recruits, employs and can pay the apprentice. Employers appoint the learning supplier, they usually set the factors.
Confronted with the use of or dropping cash for apprenticeships and the selection between an unknown new recruit and a longtime member of team of workers, massive employers may rationally decide to make use of apprenticeships to enhance their present personnel to enhance their abilities.
Many adults enrol on apprenticeships to enhance their abilities.
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Grownup apprentices normally have enjoy in related roles however need to enhance their abilities and growth of their careers.
The NHS, as an example, sees apprenticeships as a key a part of its personnel technique. Rising proof from my analysis with colleagues at Sheffield Hallam College and charity the Edge Basis suggests many of us on well being apprenticeships are adults and present team of workers.
Diminished necessities
Coverage bulletins from the present executive have cemented this shift. They come with the removing of the desire for English and maths {qualifications} for grownup apprentices, and the lowered minimal period of time for an apprenticeship from 365 days to 8.
In saying the hot adjustments to English and maths, Bridget Phillipson stated: “Businesses have been calling out for change to the apprenticeship system and these reforms show that we are listening. Our new offer of shorter apprenticeships and less red tape strikes the right balance between speed and quality, helping achieve our number one mission to grow the economy.”
Those adjustments are designed to extend the choice of grownup apprentices who whole their apprenticeship. Shorter apprenticeships must permit adults’ considerable related enjoy to be recognised inside their apprenticeship so they are able to whole it extra temporarily.
English and maths necessities have been a barrier for some adults to finishing their apprenticeship. Some employers had made having English and maths {qualifications} a demand for buying onto an apprenticeship. With out the necessities, extra adults must be capable to get right of entry to and whole apprenticeships – however this variation is just for the ones elderly over 19.
Higher investment for small and medium enterprises to tackle apprentices, which was once presented beneath the former executive, additionally prioritised employers, despite the fact that it did include an extra incentive for them to tackle 16-to-18 yr olds. Different employer-focused coverage adjustments from the former executive come with lowering the necessities for time spent coaching off-the-job.
The present executive’s deliberate trade to a enlargement and talents levy does come with the introduction of basis apprenticeships. Extra element on what they’re going to entail in England is but to come back. However those do lately function in Scotland, permitting more youthful other people to realize considerable paintings enjoy while learning for {qualifications} at school.
This sort of programme may just create a smoother transition into an apprenticeship for a youngster, and might building up the choice of younger other people taking part in apprenticeships. However for now, employers and the talents wanted for financial enlargement nonetheless appear to be the concern.
