Youth unemployment rose by 22,000 in the three months leading up to December 2011, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The unemployment rate for people aged 16 to 24 rose to 22.2 per cent in the quarter, an increase of 0.3 percentage points from July to September 2011.
The labour market statistics, published today, show there were 1.04 million unemployed young people in the three months leading up to December 2011.
The figure decreases to 731,000, however, if learners in full-time education are removed.
David Miliband MP said: “Today’s rise in youth unemployment strengthens the case for action on this tragic issue.
“We now know that the cost of current levels of youth unemployment is going to be close to £30 billion over the next decade.
“I again call on the government to double its proposed number of wage subsidies for employers taking on young people this year, offer a part time job guarantee to prevent long term unemployment becoming lifetime under-employment, and open up access to apprenticeships of higher quality and consistency.”
The total jobless figure is now at 2.67 million, up 48,000 on the previous quarter and 179,000 from the same time last year.
The government has launched a number of initiatives to try and combat youth unemployment, including a £1,500 cash incentive for small businesses to take on a new apprentice.
Simon Waugh, chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), says apprenticeships shouldn’t be seen as a vehicle for putting young people back into work.
Mr Waugh told the Guardian: “Apprenticeships are not about unemployment.
“These are real jobs that exist anyway and this is about training people and giving them the best foundation they will ever have in their lives.”
(A summary of the ONS statistics can be downloaded here.)
Less than three per cent of employers think an apprenticeship is most relevant to someone aged 22 or above, a YouGoV survey has revealed.
The research, commissioned by Pearson in partnership with NIACE, asked more than 1,000 businesses what they thought of the apprenticeship programme.
In contrast, 57 per cent of survey respondents said an apprenticeship was most suitable for someone aged 16 to 18.
Tess Lanning, a research fellow at the IPPR said: “Apprenticeships are principally about supporting the school to work transition.
“They are supposed to offer a combination of classroom and work-based training and to give young people the broad skills and knowledge that underpin mobility and progression in the labour market.
“Older workers do not generally require the general education that the off-the-job component is supposed to provide.”
More than 80 per cent of survey respondents said they had no plans to recruit an apprentice under the age of 25 in the next 18 months.
David Hughes, chief executive of NIACE, said: “Despite the welcome investment that Government has made in Apprenticeships, a huge number of employers remain unaware of the business benefits of taking on apprentices.
“We know that a well-run apprenticeship program helps businesses to thrive, we just need to get that message across to more employers.
“There is work here for everyone concerned.”
However, a further 40 per cent said they would hire a young apprentice if they had all the support they needed from government.
Trevor Luker, managing director of Pearson Work-Based Learning, said: “We fully support the Government’s strategy to make Apprenticeships appealing to firms of all sizes.
“We believe the best way to do this is by ensuring Apprenticeships are high-quality and rigorous programmes; giving employers the information and support they need to think Apprenticeships first when recruiting; and making it as easy as possible for an employer who’s interested in taking on an apprentice to cut through the hassle and paperwork.”
The new minimum length of delivery for all apprentices aged 16 to 18 has been backed by the head of the association of employment and learning providers (AELP).
“We have of course already accepted the government policy placing a 12 month minimum period on all apprenticeship frameworks for 16-18 year olds,” Mr Hoyle said in Issue 557 of the AELP countdown.
“That after all reflects the current norm anyway.”
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has said they will look at extending the new minimum length of delivery to older apprentices aged 19 and above.
Mr Hoyle said any minimum period for adult apprentices would need need to be flexible and consider prior learning.
“Potential minimum periods for adult apprentices is under review and we are still firmly of the view that much greater flexibility needs to be both available and exercised to fully take into account the varying levels of skill and experience that these older workers (19+) bring to the completion of a full apprenticeship framework,” Mr Hoyle said.
The comments follow a number of government announcements made during National Apprenticeship Week (February 6-10).
Bidding launched for Employer Ownership of Skills pilot
The prime minister opened the bidding for the “Employer Ownership of Skills” pilot on Tuesday.
Businesses can submit proposals for up to £50 million of direct public funding, bypassing colleges and training providers in order to deliver innovative apprenticeships and vocational training.
“By focusing investment where it is most needed to deliver sustainable growth and offering real ownership of vocational training to employers, we are equipping businesses with the skills they need to rebalance our economy and distribute opportunity more widely,” David Cameron said.
The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) has launched a prospectus for the scheme explaining how businesses can bid for the first £50 million of the pilot.
Charlie Mayfield, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) said: “I believe that to improve both the quality and sustainability of vocational skills, we need a shift in the balance of power away from government and towards employers.
“They are the people who really know what their business needs to grow and thrive.”
The UKCES says successful bids should include an increase in the number of people taking part in vocational training, such as apprenticeships, and make a significant impact on employer productivity and growth.
Employer proposals need to be submitted by April 26, 2012, before final decisions are given in June and July.
Second round of bidding for higher apprenticeship fund launched
The prime minister opened a second round of bidding for the higher apprenticeship fund on Tuesday.
Businesses and training providers can submit proposals for a share of £6 million, used to develop apprenticeship schemes up to “degree equivalent”.
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) say they want proposals to target the following sectors:
Accounting
Aerospace / Aviation
Early Years Professional
Health
Land based engineering
Law (Paralegal)
Renewable technologies / micro-generation
Retail and hospitality
Space Industries
Utilities and energy
Education (online / e-learning)
The invitation to tender will be available from February 13 through Bravo, the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) e-procurement website.
Nick Clegg launches £1,500 cash incentive for small employers
The deputy prime minister launched the new £1,500 cash incentive for small businesses on Monday.
Nick Clegg made the announcement, which hopes to encourage more local firms to take on a young apprentice, in an video message uploaded to YouTube.
Mr Clegg said: “Recently we’ve seen some big British names announce they’ll be taking on more apprentices – HSBC, Jaguar, McDonalds, Asda and that is fantastic news.
“But we’re also making it much easier for small firms to take people on, cutting red tape so it isn’t a bureaucratic nightmare and introducing a new £1500 cash incentive for small businesses taking on their first apprentice under the age of 24.”
The prime minister David Cameron confirmed on Tuesday that the funding would be available to businesses from this week.
“I’m delighted to underline our commitment to strengthen our economy by helping employers take on apprentices and ensure that the UK workforce has the skills that businesses need,” Mr Cameron said.
“Under this Government apprenticeship starts are increasing at a record rate, with improvements across the age range, in all sectors, throughout the country.”
John Hayes MP announces WorldSkills UK – The Skills Show
The skills minister announced a UK successor to the WorldSkills London 2011 competition at the House of Commons on Wednesday.
The new annual showcase, named ‘WorldSkills UK – The Skills Show’, will be held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham from November 15-17, 2012.
John Hayes MP, speaking at the Parliamentary Reception for National Apprenticeship Week, said: “It will showcase all that is best in our world and by that, I mean the world of skills here in the UK.”
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) say they hope to host all of the existing national competitions at the event, as well as providing an apprenticeship showcase similar to the hugely successful WorldSkills London 2011.
The showcase will include the popular ‘Have a Go’ activities, as well as a number of experts to give out expert information, advice and guidance.
Jaine Bolton, national director for business development at NAS and official UK delegate for WorldSkills, said: “We’re hoping to get a couple of international teams there too, to do some of their own pressure testing ready for Leipzig, which of course only comes in July next year.”
The Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Select Committee has announced it will be visiting Sheffield as part or its ongoing inquiry into apprenticeships.
The committee will hold a number of formal oral evidence sessions between March 5-6, 2012 with employers who promote or offer apprenticeships, as well as learners currently enrolled on apprenticeship schemes.
Adrian Bailey MP, chairman of the BIS Select Committee said: “Sheffield is home to a number of significant organisations and employers offering innovative and meaningful apprenticeship schemes.
“This is something that is being replicated right across the UK and is something the Committee wants to experience first-hand.
“Visiting Sheffield will allow the Committee to take evidence from a wide range of interested parties.”
The committee says other visits and formal evidence sessions will be announced shortly.
“This is a hugely important inquiry; apprenticeships are vital to boosting employment and growth throughout the country,” Mr Bailey said.
“The Committee feels it is vital that apprenticeships are structured in such a way so as to maximise their potential and to provide young people in the UK with requisite skills for future success.”
The terms of reference for the inquiry are:
– How successful has the National Apprenticeship Service been since it was created in April 2009? Has it helped bridge the gap between the two funding Departments? (BIS and DfE)
– Is the extra funding promised by the Coalition Government necessary for apprenticeships? How can this funding best be spent?
– Are apprenticeships of a high enough quality to benefit apprentices and their employers? Should there be more Level 3 apprenticeships?
– Apprenticeship bonuses – how should they function? Will they encourage the involvement of more small and medium sized businesses to take on apprentices? If not what will?
– Is the current funding arrangement for training of apprentices of 100% for 16-18 year olds and 50% for 19-24 year-olds appropriate?
(Written evidence should be sent to the Committee using the following e-mail address: biscommem@parliament.uk)
This Apprenticeship Week 2012 Pearson have put together a support package to help businesses and demonstrate the real added value that implementing an Apprenticeship programme can have…
Young learners from disadvantaged backgrounds are being let down by the 16-19 Bursary Fund because it is inadequate, inconsistent and under-funded, according to a report by Barnardo’s.
The children’s charity says the replacement for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is discouraging poor students from staying in further education because they are unable to pay for everyday expenses such as food, travel and books.
Anne Marie Carrie, chief executive of Barnardo’s, said: “It is an absolute disgrace that some students are now being forced to skip meals in order to afford the bus to college.
“The Bursary Fund is an unfair and totally inadequate replacement for the Education Maintenance Allowance.”
The Barnardo’s report, entitled “Staying the course: Disadvantaged young people’s experiences in the first term of the 16-19 Bursary Fund”, says the varying payment models used by providers has quickly created a “postcode lottery” for young people.
The charity says the government risks losing a significant number of young people to long-term unemployment unless the system is re-examined and fixed.
“The government has a moral duty to urgently invest in adequate help for 16 to 19 year-olds from poorer backgrounds to stay the course and complete their education or training,” Anne Marie Carrie said.
“The alternative is to risk losing a whole generation to the trap of long-term unemployment because they don’t have any qualifications.”
Sally Hunt, general secretary of the UCU, added: “The very least the Government must do is look again at providing the financial support required to give the poorest teenagers in the country a fair crack at an education.
“We see no benefit whatsoever in consigning them to the ever-increasing number of young people in the dole queue.”
The EMA scheme, which gave students weekly payments for staying in further education, was scrapped by the government last year.
The new system, known as the 16-19 Bursary Fund, gives out a guaranteed payment of £1,200 to young people who are in care, have been in care, claiming Disability Living Allowance, Employment Support Allowance or claiming income support.
The remaining funds are then allocated to other students at the discretion of the college, school or training provider.
“The decision to axe the EMA was rushed and ill-thought through and has been a farce from start to finish,” Sally Hunt said.
“Ever since ministers started cherry-picking research to drive through the end of the grant it has been clear to us that thousands of the country’s poorest teenagers would suffer.”
The Barnardo’s report, based on 51 face to face interviews, says the administration of the 16-19 Bursary Fund is overly-complex and fails to give “a reasonable, predictable level of financial support” to disadvantaged young people.
Anne Marie Carrie said: “Immediate improvements to the way the Bursary Fund is targeted and administered are urgently needed to prevent a shameful waste of young talent.
“Without access to vital funds, our most vulnerable young people may lose the opportunity to improve their life chances.”
Recommendations in the report include giving a bursary, in line with the Pupil Premium, to all young people who used to receive free school meals.
The report also suggests giving bursary support to all young people undertaking a foundation learning course, as well as learners who are care experienced.
“This is in keeping with the Government’s aspirations to improve social mobility and educational outcomes for this particularly challenged group,” the report states.
Darryl, 18, a trainee warehouse operative from the Newcastle area, said: “If you’re training, you don’t get much help, but if you sit around doing nothing you can still get benefits, which doesn’t seem fair.
“My family is finding it hard to afford the everyday costs of living, so they can’t always help me out.
“I want to train to get a job to support myself, but how can I finish my course if I can’t afford the costs?”
Eight teams from some of the country’s most successful businesses are battling it out to become “apprentice team of the year”.
The Brathay Apprentice Challenge, which kicked off today with a 10-mile whaler boat race across Dorney Lake, includes teams of apprentices from Bentley, the Co-Operative, Virgin Media and Rolls Royce.
Jez Anderson from the Brathay Trust said: “The Challenge is designed to build on the work we have been doing for many years, helping apprentices’ personal development and demonstrating that apprentices don’t just help businesses grow, they also help develop their local communities.
“The search for the apprentice team of the year will not only demonstrate the formidable skills of the nation’s apprentices, but demonstrate the range of careers available to apprentices.”
The competition also has a team of apprentices which are potential candidates for the GB Junior Rowing Team, supported by Junior World Champion Finalist Jack Beaumont.
Rower Jack Beaumont said: “I am proud to be supporting the Brathay Apprentice Challenge. Many athletes who are representing our country, at the highest level, have completed SkillsActive’s Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence and so we know first hand the positive impact Apprenticeships have not just on those who take them, but on wider society.”
Challenges will take place over the next two months and test the teams’ abilities to work together, while fundraising for a variety of charities and spreading the word about what apprentices can achieve.
Jaine Bolton, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “We know that one of the main reasons employers offer Apprenticeships is to build skills capacity in their businesses and this Challenge will bring to life the benefits apprentices bring to employers.
“In this new era of higher quality Apprenticeships, that are helping the nation’s businesses grow, more needs to be done to recognise the incredible talent and success of the nation’s apprentices.
“Events like the Brathay Apprentice Challenge are vital in ensuring the success of our apprentices is celebrated and rewarded.”
The Brathay Apprentice Challenge will come to a head with a full day contest at Brathay’s Cumbrian training HQ on March 16th.
The skills minister announced a UK successor to the WorldSkills London 2011 competition at the House of Commons last night.
The new annual showcase, named ‘WorldSkills UK – The Skills Show’, will be held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham from November 15-17, 2012.
John Hayes MP, speaking at the Parliamentary Reception for National Apprenticeship Week, said: “It will showcase all that is best in our world and by that, I mean the world of skills here in the UK.”
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) say they hope to host all of the existing national competitions at the event, as well as providing an apprenticeship showcase similar to the hugely successful WorldSkills London 2011.
The showcase will include the popular ‘Have a Go’ activities, as well as a number of experts to give out expert information, advice and guidance.
The national heats held at ‘WorldSkills UK – The Skills Show’ will help select the UK squad which will then compete internationally at Leipzig in 2013.
Jaine Bolton, national director for business development at NAS and official UK delegate for WorldSkills, said: “We’re hoping to get a couple of international teams there too, to do some of their own pressure testing ready for Leipzig, which of course only comes in July next year.”
Simon Waugh, chief executive of the NAS, said he thought the international WorldSkills event held in London last year was the best in the competition’s history.
Mr Waugh said: “What we had was the best WorldSkills event in history – by a mile – 200,000 people went to see it and the vast majority of them were 14-18 year-olds, so it was a fantastic demonstration of what we can do.
“It was the best medal haul we’ve ever had for the UK and that’s why the Skills Show we’re going to have is so important.”
The Parliamentary Reception was attended by a number of former apprentices and WorldSkills competitors, including Will Torrent, now a patisserie consultant at Waitrose.
“It’s about reaching out to more and more people, and saying you know what, being in a skill, being in a vocation can be cool, it can be sexy, it’s trendy and it can lead to a lot of amazing things,” Mr Torrent said.
“The Skills Show will see tens of thousands of people, hopefully young people coming and saying, well I’m not really academic, I’m not really great at wring essays, but I want to be a bricklayer, or I wasn’t to be a pastry chef, and this is also how I can represent my country.”
Shane Allum, a former apprentice at BT and volunteer at WorldSkills London 2011, said any apprentice should try and get involved with ‘WorldSkills UK – The Skills Show’.
“When you’re an apprentice there are so many opportunities open to you, and if you can get involved you absolutely should, because you’ll get so much from it,” Mr Allum said.
“The Skills Show sounds like a really, really great opportunity and a great showcase of the things that people in different kinds of apprenticeships can experience and achieve.”
The event will take place just three days before the Association of Colleges (AoC) Annual Conference 2012, held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) between November 20-22, 2012.
Jaine Bolton said the timings of the two events were merely ‘coincidental’.
“There’s some really good opportunities for us there in terms of getting more of the FE college principals and college network to both events, but it is just a coincidence.” she said.
Visitor registration for ‘WorldSkills UK – The Skills Show’ will be open from March 22, 2012.
Colleges and training providers wishing to apply as a showcase organisation or host a ‘Have a Go’ activity at the ‘WorldSkills UK – The Skills Show’ have until April 20, 2012 to submit a proposal.
More than a tenth of the staff at the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) will soon be made up by apprentices.
The organisation has hired nine new apprentices to join three existing learners at the company.
LSIS will soon be offering an additional two apprenticeships to make a grand total of 14 out of 130 staff.
Rob Wye, chief executive of LSIS said: “As an organisation better committed with driving improvement through the Further Education and Skills sector, we wanted to demonstrate our commitment to supporting apprenticeships – and what better way to do it than to employ apprentices ourselves.
“As huge numbers of young people are unemployed we are proud to be able to provide opportunities to learn on the job, to earn a competitive wage and to attend college on day release to study for a relevant, vocational qualification such as an NVQ.”
LSIS is a national organisation, based in Coventry, which employs apprentices in a number of divisions including IT, marketing and communications, finance and human resources.
Lizzie Stubbington, an apprentice in the LSIS Skills for Life and Employment team, left university in her first year because she felt she would learn more working ‘on the job’.
“I carefully considered my options before leaving university and decided an apprenticeship would be best for me. I feel at home in a working environment and I don’t feel like an apprentice, I feel like a member of staff,” Lizzie said.
The announcement forms part of the fifth annual National Apprenticeship Week, led by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS).
