Apprenticeships are Vital for Closing Skills Gap
With National Apprenticeship Week having commenced, the event has promoted the value of apprenticeships in the current economic climate, as a means of closing the substantial lack of skilled workers that has developed during the recession.
There is a vast array of over 190 different apprenticeship areas available to prospective learners, ranging from more hands on courses in the construction sector, to more academic areas of tuition such as accounting and finance. As well as gaining invaluable full time experience, many apprenticeships successfully retain roles in their respective industries.
There are now a range of employer incentives to take on apprenticeships, with the government covering 100% of the cost of training 16-18 year olds, and 50% of those learners aged 19 and over. The government has also reserved budget for up to 5,000 grants, provided to those companies who take on 16-17 year old apprentices.
Simon Waugh, Chief Executive of the NAS, said: “We are in danger of becoming a low-skills, low-paid nation. Many firms find their ability to grow is hampered by a lack of skilled labour, yet apprentices are a key, cost-efficient way to get a better trained workforce.”
Gary Harlock, Director at Perspective, commented: “The acquisition of apprenticeship schemes as part of a companies recruitment drive can be instrumental in its ongoing success, as employers have the potential to gain a purpose trained workforce that is highly skilled and is instilled with the companies ideals.”
