School leavers urged to take up apprenticeships

Date published: 18 August 2009

Greater Manchester Chamber is urging school leavers to consider doing an apprenticeship as A-level results are released this week.

With a sharp increase in demand for university places and the rising cost of student debt, the Chamber believes more young people need to look at getting vocational qualifications.
Chris Fletcher, Deputy Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Chamber, said: “For far too long young people have been told that the academic route is the only option. The result of this is that we have ended up with a shortage of skilled workers in sectors such as engineering and manufacturing which will be at the forefront of economic recovery.

“We are not saying that people shouldn’t go to university, but we’re asking school leavers to consider whether a degree is right for them. There is no point going to university and piling up thousands of pounds worth of debt doing a course that won’t lead to a job.”

Apprenticeships have risen in popularity in recent years as the Government has put more emphasis on vocational qualifications to fill the UK’s skills gap. There is a wide range of apprenticeships available in Greater Manchester covering industries such as construction, engineering, hairdressing and IT.

Mr Fletcher said: “An apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn. Not only do you get training, but you also get work experience as you are given a placement in a real business. At the end of the apprenticeship you are equipped for a career in a skilled job without any of the debt that comes with going to university.”

In June the Chamber launched a campaign to show employers the benefits of taking on an apprentice. Over the past few years the Chamber has helped thousands of apprentices enter the world of work, supported by a variety of employers including high-profile names such as the Bank of New York and Siemens.

The campaign, which runs until the end of this month, has also been encouraging young people to look at the benefits of doing an apprenticeship.