Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England, the national council of YMCAs in England and Wales, responds to the release of IPPR’s report assessing the new system for apprenticeships in England, and says more needs to be done to bridge the gap between education and employment for 18 to 24-year-olds.
She said: “YMCA, like IPPR, supports the Government’s ambition to create more high quality apprenticeships.
“However, since the lifting of the age restrictions on apprentices in 2009, the incentives for employers to take on and train young people have proved to be insufficient. This is demonstrated by the fact that 14% less young people aged under 25 started apprenticeships in 2013/14 compared to 2008/09.
“The failure to bridge this gap into employment for young people leaving education is further emphasised by nearly two thirds of apprenticeships being offered to existing employees of organisations.
“In addition, while the new funding arrangements put in place provide incentives for employers to take on 16 to 18-year-olds and young care leavers as apprentices, those aged 18 to 24 are left behind.
“As part of the reforms being introduced, YMCA believes that the Government needs to put in place greater financial incentives for organisations, both large and small, to take on and train young apprentices to smooth what can be for some a difficult transition into the workplace.”
Last year, YMCA set up 3,269 apprenticeships for young people.