Apprentices in England will drive £25bn of economic growth over
their lifetime, new figures have revealed.
This is almost double the £14bn contribution found the last time
this was assessed in 2018, demonstrating apprentices' importance
to the government's mission to grow the economy under the Plan
for Change.
These figures are for apprentices who were participating in an
apprenticeship at levels 2 to 5 in the 2021-22 academic year,
representing the immense value of apprentices to economic
growth.
The research comes as the government reaffirms its commitment to
apprenticeships as the golden thread through all six missions
under the Plan for Change, and follows recently published data
revealing apprenticeship starts rose by 1.3% and achievements
rose by 1.1% in the first quarter following last year's general
election.
New apprenticeships announced today include wind turbine
technician and heat network maintenance technician, which are key
sectors that will support the government's clean energy mission.
The Education Secretary will today be visiting
Hinkley Point C and Bridgwater and Taunton College in Somerset to
meet apprentices working on this critically important piece of
national clean energy infrastructure.
Education Secretary, said:
We need to take skills seriously as a country again, and the
measures we've taken this week to slash red tape and boost the
number of apprentices, show how we will deliver on this and break
down the barriers to opportunity for our young people.
Apprenticeships are key to delivering our number one mission of
growth and on the Prime Minister's Plan for Change, as evidenced
today by their increasing value to the economy which will
continue to rise thanks to our reforms.
As National Apprenticeship Week draws to a close, it's vital
therefore that schools, colleges and businesses continue to
champion apprenticeships, and this government will back them all
the way.
These conclude a series of sweeping reforms announced during
National Apprenticeship Week, after the Education Secretary
revealed a boost in flexibility for employers around English and
Maths requirements that will lead to an extra 10,000 apprentices
qualified each year in key sectors including construction,
healthcare and clean energy.
A cut in the minimum duration of apprenticeships from 12 to eight
months will help get boots on the ground quicker if workers have
prior experience, while simpler End Point Assessments and a
reformed payment system will free up time for providers and
employers to focus on apprentices' career and skills
development.
The visit comes after the Prime Minister recently announced
reforms to planning rules which will clear a path for new nuclear
power stations, creating thousands of new highly skilled jobs
while delivering clean, secure and more affordable energy for
working people.
HMRC have also promoted tips to help apprentices ensure they are
getting paid fairly, and government Ministers including the
Chancellor have been visiting employers
throughout National Apprenticeship Week to understand better how
apprenticeships can deliver the Plan for Change.
Minister for Industry said:
The shift to home-grown, clean energy is creating thousands of
apprentices with world-class experience.
Hinkley Point C alone has provided 1,500 new apprenticeships –
helping to make the UK a clean energy superpower, give us energy
security and protect billpayers.
New and updated apprenticeships for police constables, teaching
assistants, healthcare support workers, dental hygienists and
civil engineers will further support the government's Plan for
Change. A total of 660 occupations are now available.
Today, the government also launches a new “one stop shop” app
that is set to revolutionise how apprentices access training and
support.
The Your Apprenticeship app, designed by the DfE with extensive
input from apprentices, provides easier access to essential
tools, resources, and support to help apprentices to thrive in
their qualification.
They will be able to track their apprenticeship through the app,
ensuring they have learnt all the necessary knowledge and skills
and they need to progress into skilled work and help drive
Britain's economic growth.
The Your Apprenticeship app is available to be downloaded from
Google Play and the Apple app store now.
Anyone considering an apprenticeship is encouraged to go
to www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk to
discover what apprenticeships are available in their local
area.
