Labour's flagship apprenticeship scheme falls short of targets, raising concerns about skills revolution
Labour's flagship apprenticeship scheme has enrolled only 160 young people in its first eight months, falling far short of the government's target of 30,000 starts by the end of the parliament.
In Brief
- •Labour's flagship apprenticeship scheme has enrolled only 160 young people in its first eight months, falling far short of the government's target of 30,000 starts by the end of the parliament.
- •The Fabian Society has warned that the government's 'skills revolution' risks failure due to the slow start of the apprenticeship scheme.
- •Apprenticeship starts among under-25s remain about 40% below their level of a decade ago, the largest decline among advanced economies.
- •The Fabian Society recommends launching a £311m-a-year regional apprenticeship fund and redesigning foundation apprenticeships to boost participation.
Why It Matters
The slow start of Labour's flagship apprenticeship scheme raises concerns about the government's ability to tackle youth unemployment and boost employment opportunities. The scheme aims to provide paid jobs for young adults with attached training, but the low number of starts indicates a need for significant reforms. The Fabian Society's recommendations could help address the fragmented system and improve the effectiveness of apprenticeships in tackling youth unemployment.
Key Details
- Apprenticeship starts
- 160
- Targeted starts
- 30,000
- Apprenticeship starts among under-25s
- 40% below a decade ago
- Regional apprenticeship fund
- £311m-a-year
Context & Background
Labour's flagship apprenticeship scheme is part of the government's plans to tackle youth unemployment, which affects nearly 1 million 16- to 24-year-olds in the UK. The scheme aims to provide paid jobs for young adults with attached training, but the low number of starts indicates a need for significant reforms.
Original Reporting & Sources
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