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Programme-Led Apprenticeships prove popular during downturn

20 October 2009

The success of the Programme-Led Apprenticeships programme was outlined today by Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Employment and Learning.

Speaking to the Assembly, Sir Reg disclosed over 2,700 school leavers have enrolled for the training since the inception of Programme-Led Apprenticeships on 7 September 2009.

Sir Reg said: “This is an important measure during recession, when employment for school leavers is on the decline.  Staying on at school or going to a Further Education college is just not an option for many young people.  We need a training solution that will prepare them for employment when the upturn comes and will plug the skills gap that will most certainly appear if we don’t continue to train at this important time.”

The Programme-Led Apprenticeship programme follows the same Level 2 framework and qualifications used for Employer-Led apprenticeship where the apprentices are in employment.  Programme-Led apprentices spend more time with the training organisation, concentrating on learning practical skills in a simulated work environment but they also have the opportunity for a work placement.

The Minister also commented: “It is important to note that this is not a second tier or lower class of apprenticeship.  The young school leavers will train to the same standard, following exactly the same framework as employed apprentices.  This means that, should they get employment at any stage during their training, then they will seamlessly transfer to the other programme.  This is a big advantage.”

Sir Reg concluded: “As of yesterday, 2,763 school leavers have enrolled on the Programme-Led Apprenticeship.  This shows the clear need and demand for this training.  This opportunity also enables me to extend the training for last year’s cohort of almost 2000 young people on the Training for Success Level 2 stream, that would otherwise be leaving and trying to get work when the opportunities are much less. Without the Programme-Led Apprenticeship option I would have been fearful that the numbers of young people in the NEETs category (Not in Education, Employment and Training) would have increased.”

Notes to editors:

  1. Since its inception on Monday 7 September until 19 October a total of 2,763 trainees have been enrolled on the Programme-Led Apprenticeship programme.
  2. The additional estimated cost of this intervention is £6.3 million per annum, based on an uptake of 3,000.
  3. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch, on 028 9025 7872.  Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.