Get In and Go Far with new apprenticeships
In a campaign launched today government and top employers are calling on young people to 'Get In. Go Far' by choosing an apprenticeship.
In a campaign launched today (20 August 2014) government and top employers are calling on young people to ‘Get In. Go Far’ by choosing an apprenticeship. This coincides with the introduction of 40 new employer-designed apprenticeships in sectors including engineering, hospitality and the legal profession.
These new opportunities will give people the chance to earn whilst they learn on apprenticeships which have been designed by businesses in a variety of sectors.
Whilst visiting the ITV studios in Leeds to meet apprentices working on the set of Emmerdale, Vince Cable Secretary of State for Business said:
"For too long there has been a divide between university and vocational education which has been damaging for both employers and young people. Placing university degrees and apprenticeships on an equal footing will help to break down barriers and better meet the needs of business.
"Since I became Secretary of State we have expanded apprenticeship numbers greatly, particularly higher apprenticeships. The reforms to apprenticeships enable employers to design and deliver apprenticeships that meet their needs, giving young people valuable qualifications and helping them to build successful careers from television production to advanced manufacturing."
The campaign launched today showcases the variety and quality of apprenticeships on offer. With the strapline ‘Get In. Go Far’, it features real apprentices in varied sectors giving their own thoughts on their experiences. The apprentices, shown in the adverts taking selfies in their places of work, will appear on TV, posters, digital channels and in print media.
To mark the launch of the campaign, Skills Minister Nick Boles has been visiting apprentices to see for himself the impact the scheme is having on young people. He took ‘selfies’ with the apprentices at Google which will be pinned to an interactive ‘work selfie’ Pinterest map, plotting the many apprenticeship opportunities across the country.
One such apprentice, Michelle, shows how far you can get with an apprenticeship. She gained a first-class honours degree in project management after deciding to bypass university and go straight to BAE Systems where she completed a 5 year apprenticeship.
Skills Minister Nick Boles said:
"As another group of young people achieve their GCSE and A Level results, there has never been a better time to consider an apprenticeship. Through an apprenticeship young people can achieve a degree and work at some of the biggest companies in the country.
"The new campaign features some great success stories which show exactly how far an apprenticeship can take you. I would recommend any young person that isn’t sure what to do next, to look at some of the new and exciting apprenticeship opportunities available to them."
The new apprenticeships which have been launched are from a broad range of industries and include roles such as, a land-based service engineer, senior culinary chef, solicitor, journalist and a dental practise manager. Throughout the process over 200 employers and training providers were involved in designing the 40 new apprenticeship standards that have been approved.
Mustafa Mohammed, Chair of Dental Health Trailblazer who have published apprenticeship standards today, said:
"I am delighted to be involved in such an exciting project. The Dental Apprenticeship programme will provide fantastic learning opportunities for people across the UK, enabling many to build long and successful careers.
"Employers will be able to ‘grow their own’ talent, ensuring the next generation of professionals have all the practical skills and experience needed to continue the high standards expected in dentistry. This in turn will also help combat the falling numbers of British technicians, strengthening the dental industry and UK economy."
This forms part of the apprenticeship trailblazer project which was launched in October 2013, the second phase of which was launched during National Apprenticeship Week in March 2014. It aims to ensure every apprentice in England is enrolled on a scheme which has been designed and approved by employers by 2016 to 2017.
Apprenticeships are already proving to be a successful and viable option as opposed to going to university. Since 2010, there have been over 1.8 million apprentices in England and this number continues to grow. Research has also shown that 86% of those who did an apprenticeship stayed in work afterwards, 67% with the same employer. A survey with employers also found that 96% of businesses which have taken on an apprentice believe their company has benefitted.
For more information on apprenticeships and the apprentices that are being featured in the campaign, visit www.apprenticeships.gov.uk.