SECTOR FOCUS: SKILLS
Apprenticeships are the future
Employment Minister Priti Patel, speaking at the National Apprenticeship Awards in London, said that apprenticeships offered a ‘fantastic way’ for young people of all backgrounds to ‘earn as they learn.’ She said: “We currently have
record-breaking levels of employment – and this is boosted by prospects like apprenticeships. By taking steps like rolling out our ‘Jobcentre Plus Support for Schools’ programmes, we are helping to create an even more flexible and resilient labour market for the future.” Two Midland-based apprentices
were amongst the award winners. Joshua White (IBM UK), from Fillongley, near Coventry, took the EAL Award for the Advanced Apprentice of the Year, while Kathleen Sandford (The Community Housing Group), of Stourport-on-Severn, received the McDonald’s award for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year. Skills Minister Nick Boles, who
was also at the presentation ceremony, commented: “Apprenticeships truly are set to be one of the great success stories of the decade, and the winners and finalists are worthy ambassadors.”
Chance to earn and learn A
European Union agency claims that too many people in Europe are dropping out of education or training.
The agency is Cedefop, which supports the
development of European vocational education and training (VET) policies and contributes to their implementation. The agency is helping the European Commission, EU
Member States and the social partners to develop the right European VET policies. Cedefop says that early school leaving is associated
with a range of negative social, health and economic outcomes. In 2014, 4.4 million young people in Europe left
education and training before completing upper secondary education.
‘Vocational education and training is seen positively across Europe and not just here in the UK’
Cedefop has now produced a video about the issue, which contains testimonials from people on how vocational education and training has played a role in their decision to continue their studies and find a job. David Tomalin (pictured), Skills Hub manager at
Birmingham Chamber, said: “Vocational training provides for many young people a much more engaging and immersive experience that enables them to ‘earn while they learn’. “It is increasingly being seen as a comparable
alternative to University especially as we see progression pathways being developed through
intermediate and higher apprenticeship opportunities. Not only can it help to sustain those who are financially constrained, it can also assist those who need a learning experience that it is more rounded, job focussed and industry specific. “Employers are also using Vocational pathways to
access talent from a more diverse talent pool who may not have the ability to access professions through the traditional route ways, enabling their companies to better reflect the communities they serve. “Vocational education and training is seen positively
across Europe (by people who wish to learn of all ages as well as employers) and not just here in the UK where the Government has targeted the achievement of having three million apprentices within its timespan.”
48 CHAMBERLINK MARCH 2016
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