Apprenticeship system needs "significant reform"
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News , Political News
The Conservatives have been urged to overhaul apprenticeships after it emerged 1.8million people bid for 166,000 places last year.
The government has said the number of young people not in work, education or training is at its lowest in a decade.
The Prime Minister has pledged to use £1bn in welfare cuts to create a further three million apprenticeships before the end of Parliament in 2020.
But the Institute of Public Policy Research warned the system can only tackle high levels of youth unemployment following "significant reform" to devolve powers and funding locally.
A study for the Local Government Association showed since 2010, under-19s have made up 57% of applications but only 27% of starts. Over-25s made up 7% of applications and 37% of starts - and some 67% of intermediate skilled apprentices were already employed by their company.
Luke Raikes, research fellow at IPPR North, said: "A high quality apprenticeship system could be used to combat youth unemployment and drive higher productivity, but the system we currently have is failing to deliver.
"There is a big gap between the function apprenticeships should have in our economy and how they're being used in practice: the majority of apprenticeships are being used to train older people, and those who are already employed at their company, instead of taking on young people out of work."
Are you looking to take on a young, enthusiastic talent that you can mould and develop for your business? An apprentice could be right for you.
Did you know?
- Businesses report an average increase in productivity by £214 a week by each Apprentice
- 70% of businesses reported that Apprenticeships improved their productivity or the quality of their product or service
- Apprenticeships are estimated to have contribute £34 Billion to the UK economy in 2014
Fully funded apprenticeships from ATG Training
Employers who have not taken on an apprentice in the last year may be eligible to receive a £1,500 grant.
Full
funding is available on cycle maintenance apprenticeships for 16-24
year olds and employer contributions are reduced for over 25s - so there
has never been a better time to take on an apprentice!
Apprenticeships benefit everyone. The apprentice gets valuable on the job training, employers get engaged, loyal staff and customers get professionally maintained bikes from qualified staff. Better yet, apprenticeships are largely delivered in your place of work, meaning little down time for your mechanics.
ATG Training offer an apprenticeship and an advanced apprenticeship.
Cycle Apprenticeship
Who is it for?
Anyone working as a mechanic who wants to gain training and qualifications to use during their working life.
What is included?
- Certificate of Cycle Maintenance (often referred to as a Technical Certificate, this is the specific, hands on training in Cycle Maintenance)
- Cytech Technical Two and wheel building training
- Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Engineering Maintenance & Installation - Cycles pathway
- Functional skills level 1 or 2.
- Employment Responsibilities and Rights
- Personal Learning & Thinking Skills
Advanced Cycle Apprenticeship
Who is it for?
Cycle mechanics that have completed the Apprenticeship and want to increase their skills, technical knowledge and obtain a high level qualification.
What is included?
- Diploma of Cycle Maintenance
- Cytech Technical Three training (3 courses)
- Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering - Cycles pathway
- Functional skills at a minimum of level 2
To find out more about taking on a new apprentice or training an existing member of staff with ATG click here or contact ATG Training.