Skills Minister Alex Burghart has written to students, parents and guardians to encourage them to explore the benefits apprenticeships have to offer.
In the letters, which are published here, Minister Burghart sets out some of the ways in which apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity:
- All apprenticeship costs are paid for by the employer and the government. Apprentices will not have any student loans or tuition fees.
- Apprentices will spend up to 80% of their time in the workplace applying what they learn in their training - and they are paid (the wage they earn depends on the job, and many employers pay well).
There are hundreds of apprenticeships across an enormous range of occupations, in the largest multinational companies or with small local employers. And there are apprenticeships equivalent to GCSEs or A levels or university degrees - so whatever your child's final qualifications are when they leave school or college, there are opportunities.
He says:
"Apprenticeships give people a chance to learn, earn and achieve - please consider them when you are choosing your next step."
The letters will be distributed to students and parents via schools this week, to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2022.
To search for apprenticeships in your area click here.