Red tape slashed on apprenticeships in main enhance for younger individuals
Changes for apprenticeships include a faster approval process to update apprenticeships and develop short courses to tackle the need for skilled workers in major projects
The PM had previously announced major investment in apprenticeships (Image: Getty Images)
Apprenticeships are to be reformed to get more young people into training placements and skilled jobs.
Changes include a faster approval process to update apprenticeships and develop short courses to tackle the need for skilled workers in major projects. The reforms were announced ahead of the start of National Apprenticeship Week on Monday, when companies across the UK will announce a number of new placements.
Ministers say slashing red tape will cut apprenticeship approval times from 18 months to as little as three months. Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “For too long, young people have faced unnecessary barriers on their path to good careers. That changes now.
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“Our reforms announced today will slash the red tape that has held back our apprenticeship system, so that apprenticeships in the jobs driving our nation’s growth will be approved months earlier than before. This isn’t just about speed — it’s about opportunity. I’m determined to give every young person a fair shot at a rewarding career.
The changes were part of the Growth and Skills Levy reforms, aimed at delivering 50,000 more apprenticeships for young people backed by £725 million funding. Ministers said the measures will play an integral role towards the Government’s ambition to get two-thirds of young people into higher-level learning or apprenticeships.
Mr McFadden continued: “The changes will help young people into jobs, making sure they benefit from our nation’s major infrastructure and investment projects while also giving businesses the talent they need to thrive.
“Whether it’s building the offshore wind turbines that will power our clean energy future or ensuring construction workers have the skills to build the new homes our country needs, I want young people at the heart of delivery. I want to see apprentices on every major project across the country, from Northern Powerhouse Rail to our new defence facilities.
The senior minister visited Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, to see first-hand how apprenticeships were delivering skilled jobs in advanced manufacturing and engineering.
Tania Gandamihardja, Group HR director at BAE Systems, commented: “We currently have a record 5,100 apprentices in learning and they are critical to our skills pipeline. This announcement will accelerate our ability to offer new and updated apprenticeships keeping our people at the forefront of cutting-edge defence technologies.”
