Queen’s Speech: Embrace apprenticeships

"My Government … will introduce a bill to support wider implementation of work experience, improved careers information, advice and guidance and to promote alternative routes into traditional graduate professions such as legal and financial services."

We should not underestimate how important the legal and financial services are; they are critical for a fair, safe and prosperous society, contributing £11bn to the UK economy (9% of the overall economy). As a nation we should be very proud of the reputation we have built across the world in financial and legal services. Our legal system has been replicated in countries as diverse as the United States, India, Australia and New Zealand; London itself is the world’s principal recognised centre for critical services such as dispute solution. Meanwhile, according to The Global Financial Centres Index 13 (December 2012), London remains the top Financial Centre in the world in terms of reputation and competitiveness.

Supporting young people to gain employment in these esteemed sectors, to be economically and socially mobile, is of paramount importance to every individual in the UK. As an economy we need to utilise young people’s skills and enthusiasm to add value to the UK labour force, so that our companies remain globally competitive. We have a responsibility to all young people to ensure that they have equal access to opportunities enabling progress in employment, and in society. Success must be based upon merit rather than circumstance or social background. Providing pathways to professional careers is one way to support this; the financial, professional and legal services are leading the way in this regard.

Progress has been made to break down barriers regarding ‘who you know’ and location, however, we must strive for these barriers to be disbanded altogether. One area where Financial Skills Partnershiphas made a real impact is through its virtual work experience initiative; ‘ Get In Get On Virtual Work Experience Programme’. Work experience is a proven method for improving the chances of future employment and is one of the five priorities of the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission. High quality work experience placements need to be made available across the financial and professional services sectors in increasing volumes. The ‘Get In Get On’ initiative enables young people to connect with employers across the sector and offers them high quality skills and knowledge development. This, coupled with robust e-career mentoring supports them in building their career plan and planning their journey into the industry. Good work experience prepares young people for their next step which could be a Higher Apprenticeship.

The Coalition Government has made its support for Apprenticeships clear and Higher Apprenticeships are fast becoming a viable alternative to traditional routes into professions; professions that were previously inaccessible for many. Newly developed Higher Apprenticeships in both legal and financial services are gaining interest and support across the sectors and in government. Skills for Justice, in partnership with employers, have made commendable strides in the legal services sector. No longer is it necessary to be a graduate to enter a professional career in law. Employers benefit from a wider pool of job ready talent to choose from and society benefits from services that are delivered by a more diverse workforce, representative of communities.

We urge everyone to embrace Apprenticeships. Investing in the existing and future talent of the UK in these sectors is not only sensible, it is crucial. It is also the fair and right thing to do. The achievements to date will provide young people with a nationally recognised work-based route into professions that have traditionally been the preserve of graduates.

Skills for Justice and FSP are part of the JSSC Group which is the licensed Sector Skills Council covering the Armed Forces, the Fire and Rescue Service, Justice, Legal and Financial Services, Local Government and some aspects of Central Government, across the UK.