On March 11th Worcester MP, Robin Walker, met with Worcestershire Apprenticeships Hub, to discuss the exciting developments in the sector. Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for young people to access a range of career opportunities and job fields. For the past 9 years Worcestershire Apprenticeships Hub have been running, offering opportunities and signposting for young people who are interested in an apprenticeship.
Worcestershire currently offer a range of apprenticeship options, with four local providers offering degree level apprenticeships. Worcestershire is currently leading the way in Under 19’s apprenticeship opportunities, 30% higher growth nationally. This growth is 13% higher than the West Midlands average and 9% ahead of the whole of England, truly cementing Worcester as a forerunner in the opportunities for alternative post 16 learning and development.
Robin was excited to hear that Worcester offers one of the few areas to offer a teaching degree apprenticeship. These exciting opportunities see learners gaining invaluable in school experiencing whilst gaining the qualifications to teach after a year of salaried training.
Robin shared with members from the Apprenticeship Hub, his own personal knowledge of how successful apprentices can be. Recalling how the past three directors of Worcester Bosch started as apprentices, truly acknowledging how apprenticeship programme’s open large opportunities to those who may not wish to attend a more traditional form of post-16 education. In a recent apprenticeship roadshow lead by the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Hub at the Hive library, Worcester City had the largest turnout, further evidencing the support Worcester has for apprenticeships in the city.
Apprenticeships still require a C grade in English and Maths, however with the continued Government pledge of funding level 2 qualifications for learners over the age of 19, this encourages a range of ages to engage in apprenticeship opportunities. It was highlighted that apprenticeship wages are now around £15,000 - £20,000 with a recent apprenticeship opportunity having a £30,000 salary.
As part of the visit Robin also took part in the @Inspiring_Worcs campaign, highlighting the range of variety individuals have between what they want to be at school, and where they could end up.
Apprenticeships are a great opportunity in encouraging people to gain employment following the COVID-19 crisis. Youth unemployment rates are in a much stronger position compared to when Robin was elected, which has fallen from 650 young people unemployed to a current 400.