An apprenticeship will soon match all a degree has to offer
New routes are rapidly opening into valuable and highly paid professional careers
By Matthew Hancock
Over the past few years, a small revolution has taken place in the number and
quantity of apprenticeships in Britain. This year marks the 650th anniversary of
the first recorded apprentices, which were described as an unruly bunch by
Chaucer. But until recently, apprenticeships were associated with an old model
of heavy manufacturing that was in decline. They were seen simply as a route
into a narrow range of jobs.
Yet recently the number of apprenticeships has boomed, with more than a
million begun since the election. This is essential in tackling the skills
shortage we currently have across a range of sectors, including plumbing and
engineering. It will enable more people to progress in work.
Crucially, the quality of apprenticeships has been improving, too. In
manufacturing, companies such as Rolls-Royce, Marshalls and BAE provide
world-beating training within their apprenticeships.
Now we want to go further, offering apprenticeships instead of university, as
a route into the professions including insurance, accounting, and law.
Mais
Mais
