Apprenticeships: skills for the future or a drain on business?

Monday, 8 July 2019 11:37

The number of people taking up apprenticeships is falling. In 2011/12, over 510,00 people across the UK were on an apprenticeship scheme compared to 376,000 in 2017/18, of which 34,000 were in London [1]. Skills for Londoners was launched in June 2018 – it is the Mayor’s plan to help people over the age of 16 get the education and skills they need to ‘succeed in a fair, inclusive society and thriving economy’ [2]. Are apprenticeships the best...Request free trial

The number of people taking up apprenticeships is falling.

In 2011/12, over 510,00 people across the UK were on an apprenticeship scheme compared to 376,000 in 2017/18, of which 34,000 were in London ^[1].

Skills for Londoners was launched in June 2018 – it is the Mayor’s plan to help people over the age of 16 get the education and skills they need to ‘succeed in a fair, inclusive society and thriving economy’ ^[2]. Are apprenticeships the best way to give people the skills they need to succeed?

The London Assembly Economy Committee will tomorrow discuss the Mayor’s Skills and Adult Education Strategy for London – Skills for Londoners.

The following areas will be discussed:

The value apprenticeships offer to London’s economy
The challenges associated with apprenticeships
Access to apprenticeships for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people and women
What new/green apprenticeships offer to London’s economy

The guests are:

Mr Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, Mayor’s Office
Ms Michelle Cuomo-Boorer, Assistant Director for Skills and Employment, GLA Development, Enterprise and Environment Directorate
Mr John Cope, Head of Education and Skills, Confederation of British Industry
Ms Andre Burwood, Programme Director for the Battersea Academy for Skills and Employment (BASE), Battersea Power Station Development Company
Nik Nelberg, Construction Ambassador and Managing Director at Earl & Calam Builders LTD

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, 9 July at 10.00am in The Chamber, at City Hall (The Queen’s Walk, London SE1).

Notes for Editors:

House of Commons Library, Apprenticeship statistics for England, February 2019
https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/skills-and-employment/skills-londoners/strategy-and-research

3. Read the agenda papers.

4. Léonie Cooper AM, Chair of the Economy Committee is available for interview.

5. Find out more about the London Assembly Economy Committee.

6. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.