A study conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research found that many apprenticeships for teenagers have little impact on receiving a job or attending further vocational education in the future. The researcher called for a change in the system by replacing lower level apprenticeships with a pre-apprenticeship programme for 16 -18-year-old. The report found that most apprenticeships are centred on one particular job, do not allow training at the job itself and from 2017, do not have to provide any ‘recognized qualification’.
Apprenticeships Minister, Robert Halfon, disagrees with the job stating that apprenticeships for 16-18 to years old help them to pursue the career they wish and allow them to earn ‘up to £74,000 more over their lifetime.’ He also noted that universities offering apprenticeships in careers such as nursing, manufacturing and early year teachings. Universities have been given £4.5m to create and enhance 5,200 ‘degree level apprenticeships’ by next September.
The government should provide opportunities for young people especially teenagers who are about to enter the job market. If they are not equipped with the skills and knowledge needed, employers will be unwilling to hire them. Moreover, with the increasing difficulties in young people gaining employment all efforts must be ensured to guarantee young people can have the best foundation to find employment.
Young people should be offered to pursue any career they wish, however the apprentiships must be a good quality and allow advancement in carers. The government must take these recommendations into account and make the necessary changes.
