HR Industry News

British businesses back Brown's call for more apprenticeships

— 26 February 2008 —

Leading employers have today committed to adding over 4,000 apprenticeship places. The announcement came as a kick-start to Apprenticeships Week and was welcomed by Skills Secretary John Denham.

Vodafone have committed to 2000 apprenticeship starts in 2008-09, Superdrug to 1,000,  Sainsbury’s to 400, Barchester Healthcare to 350 and Veolia to 250. These are all substantial increases on current numbers, while Phones4u have just set up their new programme for more than 200 by the end of this year.

Veolia and Dollond & Aitchison are among a group of employers working with Government to pilot ‘over-training’. Already running successful apprenticeship programmes, these companies are offering to train a greater number of apprentices than their own organisation needs in order to build up the skills in their local area and supply chain. This is the beginning of an ambitious new programme.

The announcement builds on the Apprenticeships Review, published in January and launched by the Prime Minister. The Review outlined the Government’s ambitious plans to grow and strengthen apprenticeships, and how those plans would be delivered to ensure apprenticeships become a mainstream option for young people and adults alike.

New research released today by the Learning and Skills Council shows the significant benefits apprenticeships programmes can bring to employers. 88 per cent believe apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

The Secretary of State welcomed today’s commitment from Superdrug, Sainsbury’s, Veolia, Vodafone and others to swell the numbers of apprentices in the coming year.

John Denham said “We must work closely with employers to make it easier for them to improve the range of high-quality apprenticeships on offer so that more young people and adults get the skills and qualifications they need.

“I’m delighted that these firms have shown such a commitment to their workforce. Britain will only succeed in the global skills race if we develop the skills of our people to the fullest possible extent and apprenticeships have a key role to play.”

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