The government has announced that young people will benefit from 120,000 new training opportunities.
This is part of a new skills revolution to provide young people with the opportunity to develop skills needed to rebuild Britain.
The government has said there will be more skilled carpenters, brickies and healthcare support workers as part of Labour’s drive to get Britain working.
There will be a record £3 billion apprenticeship budget providing far more opportunities for younger people to learn new trades.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said, “A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we’re backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive.
“When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our Plan for Change.
But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we’re taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, it’s now the responsibility of young people to take them.”
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) welcomes the funding boost announced by the government.
Alex Veitch, director of policy at the BCC said, “Apprenticeships are high-quality, valued qualifications and businesses welcome the funding boost announced by Government.
“The BCC has long called for flexibility in the Growth and Skills Levy for employers to invest in pre-apprenticeship training to provide more pathways into technical and vocational careers.
“At a time when there are nearly 1 million NEET young people in the UK, employers will welcome the new Foundation Apprenticeships, with a financial incentive, in key skills shortage areas such as construction.
“However, defunding the majority of Level 7 apprenticeship opportunities is deeply disappointing. We recognise the funding challenges ministers are facing, but skills gaps at higher levels need to be addressed if the Government is to deliver its industrial strategy and growth missions.
“Employers stand ready to work with Skills England to make sure other types of training under the Growth and Skills Levy meet local needs.”
