Press Release: Young apprentices are the latest victims of the recession
Commenting on today’s new figures on post-16 education, Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, David Willetts said:
“These latest figures show apprenticeships for 16 to 18 year olds falling sharply, despite the Government’s promises to expand apprenticeships.
“Gordon Brown is introducing a legal entitlement to an apprenticeship for young people at the very time there are fewer places available. His legislation is going to be overwhelmed by his recession.
“Young people must not bear the brunt of the recession. They need our plans to create real work-based learning opportunities.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. Today’s statistical first release from the Data Service (DS/SFR2) shows a fall in apprenticeship starts for 16-18s and little progress for 19-24s:
The 2008/09 figures are provisional, but the statistical first release states that the figures can be used ‘for comparative purposes’.
Source: The Data Service, DS/SFR2, 26 March 2009 (Table 11.1)
Available online: http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/0D5F0838-CA1A-4518-8DAE-65CBBF35646C/0/nat_SFR_Post16_Education_and_Skills_March09.pdf
2. At the same time, the Government plans to introduce a legal entitlement to an apprenticeship: “The new legislation will put apprenticeships on a statutory basis, establish the entitlement to an apprenticeship place for every suitably qualified young person who wants one”
Source: DCSF press release, 23 February 2009
Available online: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2009_0038
3. On 7 January 2009, Gordon Brown promised an increase in apprenticeships, backed by £140 million. The scheme aims to increase the number of apprentices by 35,000 in 2009-10 (BBC News Online, 7 January 2009).
See: http://www.davidwilletts.co.uk/2009/01/07/brown-should-adopt-our-proposal-for-apprenticeships/
4. The Conservative Party will create 100,000 new apprenticeships.
Source: Building Skills, Transforming Lives
Available online: http://www.davidwilletts.co.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/skills-green-paper_no7.pdf