AELP reacts to the Labour election manifesto

Apprenticeships (page 24)
Labour’s apprenticeships will be gold-standard qualifications. We will re-focus existing spending away from low-level apprenticeships for older people, and towards a system where apprenticeships are focused on new job entrants, lasting at least two years, and providing level three qualifications or above.

Stewart Segal, chief executive of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers said, “We share the view of CBI, Unionlearn and the Commons Education Committee that high quality level 2 apprenticeships should remain part of the apprenticeship programme because they offer a ladder of opportunity to further progression.  It is also important that a new government regards apprenticeships not simply as a tool for solving youth unemployment but as a programme for improving the skills of those in employment.”

On careers guidance (page 37)

And to ensure young people are equipped to make the best choices for their future, we will introduce a new, independent system of careers advice, offering personalised face-to-face guidance on routes into university and apprenticeships.

Stewart Segal said: AELP is pleased that Labour has decided to focus resources around the National Careers Service to improve the quality of careers guidance in schools.  The measure should help underpin the statutory requirements that schools already have to provide independent and impartial advice on all post-16 options, including apprenticeships.