As you may already know, the Government is taking significant steps toward improving the state of apprenticeships in the UK.  Last month they published an open consultation regarding the ‘Apprenticeship funding reform in England: payment mechanisms and funding principles.’  This builds on the progress made by the reforms last October and ultimately plans to give more power to employers over design and assessment of apprenticeships. You can read about the scheme and answer the survey here.  The deadline is 1^st May.

The reform has raised mixed opinions from experts and specialists in the UK workforce, several of whom have voiced their concerns to the Guardian which you can read here.

Whilst their concerns are very real and will have to be addressed, the one thing that we can agree on is that apprenticeships are crucial to ensure our stable future.  You might think that only large companies and brands can invest in apprenticeships, but these new reforms make it possible for small companies to consider possibilities they never thought they could.  There are one million eligible young unemployed people out there who would appreciate all businesses giving them a chance!

Still need convincing?  Here are three reasons why apprenticeships are more crucial now than they have ever been before.

1. The UK has a youth unemployment crisis

According to The Work Foundation’s ‘The geography of youth unemployment: a route map for change,’  currently one in five young people are looking for work and not finding it.  The report suggests a ‘no wrong door’ approach for employers and young people which focuses particularly on the implementation of apprenticeships and work experience placements to help young people gain the necessary skills to find employment.

2. Universities are reaching capacity

Last year the government removed the cap on university admissions, making it possible for universities to enrol as many students as they wish to.  Whilst universities like Oxford and Cambridge will continue to value their exclusivity, others, argues David Ellis in the Telegraph, will put more pressure on less academically inclined students to go to university and will provide the opportunities to do so.   I agree with Ellis that the same opportunities should be available for all, but this doesn’t mean that everyone should be forced into them.  Apprenticeships and work experience routes into roles are more appropriate for some young people and should afford the same employment opportunities as those available to graduates.

3. Higher apprenticeships are becoming more popular

For those young people who are particularly capable, higher apprenticeships allow them to gain both work experience and a degree simultaneously.  According to the Times Higher Education,  employers from over 30 different sectors including Law, Nursing and Accountancy are developing higher apprenticeship standards as a result of the Government reforms last October.  Universities are starting to jump on the bandwagon too and Middlesex University will launch its higher apprenticeship courses in September.  If these prove successful, more school leavers will be considering higher apprenticeships instead of university.

Four years ago I was pulling my hair out revising for my A-Levels with the aim of getting into a top university because that was the only option my school presented to me as a means for a fruitful life.  It was university or nothing.  That was fine for me because it’s what I wanted, but the truth is not everyone is suited for university and they end up there because they were offered no other option.  These reforms are a step in the right direction and at the very least are sparking discussion about apprenticeships and the future of the UK’s young people.