Press release -
NUS WARNS THAT APPRENTICESHIPS COULD LARGELY DISAPPEAR FOR THOSE AGED 24 AND ABOVE
The National Union of Students (NUS) today responded to launch of the Richard Review of apprenticeships by welcoming its recommendations to improve the quality as well as quantity of apprenticeships. However, the union warned that the Government’s 24+ Advanced Learner Loans policy, which will see those aged 24 and over paying up to £4000 a year for A-Levels and equivalent level-three qualifications, including advanced apprenticeships could see these qualifications ceasing to be offered by employers.
Toni Pearce, NUS Vice-President, said:
“There is no doubt that an increased number of apprenticeships is a good thing but they must be high-quality training and be accessible to all, regardless of age.
“Asking those aged 24 and above to pay up to £4000 a year to work as an apprentice could clearly act as a tremendous deterrent, and could see the number of older apprentices fall dramatically. The government must back up its support for apprenticeships by investing in apprentices of all ages.
“Increased focus on the outcomes of apprenticeships and creating industry standards would improve quality and ensure they are a valuable pathway for those entering industries where skills are required.”
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Topics
- Education
Categories
- national union of students
- toni pearce
- apprenticeship
- social mobility
- tuition fees
- students
Regions
- England
NUS (National Union of Students) is a voluntary membership organisation which makes a real difference to the lives of students and its member students' unions.
We are a confederation of 600 students' unions, amounting to more than 95 per cent of all higher and further education unions in the UK. Through our member students' unions, we represent the interests of more than seven million students.
