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embargo: no embargo Employers should be providing more apprenticeship placesStudents looking towards apprenticeships as an alternative to university could face disappointment, as employers are failing to provide enough places on the schemes that provide on-the-job training. Scarlet Harris, the TUC's apprenticeships policy & campaign officer, welcomed the news that BT is extending its apprenticeship scheme after it was revealed that there have been 24,000 applications for the 221 places available. The TUC supports schemes such as BT's which offer a solid qualifications framework leading on to degree-level courses and good training in the workplace. She said: 'More large employers should follow BT's example and consider expanding their apprenticeship schemes. Companies employing 500-plus employees provide 16 per cent of the total employment, yet offer only 5 per cent of apprenticeship places overall. Large employers are providing only three apprenticeship places for every 1,000 16 to 24-year- olds they employ. The Government has said that it is putting an extra £150 million into apprentices, but the apprenticeships system will only be a success if employers are willing to take them on.' She added: 'Apprenticeships are not a second-best route for those who have failed to achieve in the academic world - or have failed to get a university place. What we are pushing for - and I think the Government is as well - is that they are seen as a valued route in themselves.' The BT apprenticeship scheme is an example of how unions are vital to the success of work-based learning. The CWU was instrumental in turning the BT scheme into the high quality, high profile, flagship scheme that it is today. The union negotiated good salaries, progression routes, high quality training and also worked with the company to explore innovative ways of encouraging more women and ethnic minority workers into the sector. The TUC is warning students to make sure that they apply for credible schemes which offer a fair wage, sufficient time for training and real opportunities for employment and career progression. Ms Harris said: 'The drive to increase the quantity of apprenticeships on offer must not come at the expense of quality.' Unionlearn, the TUC's learning and skills organisation, provides advice in the workplace about apprenticeships, negotiates fair wages and conditions for those on the programmes and union learning reps act as mentor for young people on them. NOTES TO EDITORS: All unionlearn press releases can be found at www.unionlearn.org.uk Media enquiries: Press release (400 words) issued 16 Aug 2010 |
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