Over 100,000 job and training opportunities a year to give young people a route into Britain’s growth industries
Young people will get thousands more opportunities to start skilled careers in some of Britain’s fastest-growing industries, as Government and businesses join forces to expand apprenticeships, work experience and training.
Industrial Strategy Jobs Plans published for Construction and Professional and Business Services will support 22,400 new under-25 apprenticeships a year in businesses such as accountants, legal services and consultants. This will come alongside 40,000 construction placements annually as part of a previously announced construction industry ambition to create 100,000 job opportunities a year.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
“Reindustrialising Britain means giving workers the skills they need to get good jobs in growing industries. Too many young people are being denied the chance to get a foot on the career ladder.
“These Jobs Plans bring Government and industry together to change that, opening up more apprenticeships, training and vocational routes into rewarding careers. Our Modern Industrial Strategy is backing the industries where Britain can lead and making sure people in every part of the country benefit from our industrial renewal.”
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:
“Too many young people have been locked out of opportunities for too long. These commitments will help change that by creating clear pathways into apprenticeships, training and good jobs.
“It’s encouraging to see even more industries backing young people with new opportunities to gain the skills, training and experience needed to succeed in the growing sectors of our economy.
“By working hand in hand with employers, we’re building a skills system that meets the needs of modern industry while delivering our Youth Guarantee and helping more young people build rewarding careers.”
From accountancy and law to bricklaying, engineering and defence, the plans will create clearer routes into skilled careers while helping businesses recruit the workforce they need to grow.
Coming ahead of the final Milburn review into young people and employment, the plans will help connect more young people, including those not in education, employment or training, with opportunities to earn, learn and build a career.
By bringing Government, businesses and local areas together behind investment, skills and good jobs, the plans will also support the drive to reindustrialise Britain and spread the benefits of growth across the country.
The Jobs Plans will put local partnerships at the heart of tackling skills shortages, with mayors, employers and Local Skills Improvement Plans shaping stronger routes into work through apprenticeships, work experience and vocational training.
This is supported by the Government’s £2.5 billion youth employment package, which will deliver almost one million opportunities for young people to earn or learn through apprenticeships, work experience and training.
The apprenticeship system is being pivoted towards the next generation, including 50,000 additional apprenticeships for young people and a new incentive of up to £2,000 for SMEs that take on a 16 to 24-year-old apprentice. Businesses will also be supported to back young talent through the continued National Insurance exemption for under-21s and apprentices under 25.
These plans are also underpinned by wider Government action to put technical education on a par with academic learning and ensure more young people have access to high-quality technical education. Alongside the UK’s world-leading universities, Technical Excellence Colleges, new V Levels and expanded T Levels, and new Vocational GCSEs, will arm young people with the skills and confidence for the world of work.
Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England and member of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, said:
“World class apprenticeships and skills training will be absolutely vital to supporting thousands more young people into rewarding careers and making sure these Jobs Plans deliver for key industries and sectors. That includes through new foundation apprenticeships, for people starting out their careers, and shorter apprenticeship units to help them develop fast once they’re in work.
“Bringing Government, businesses and local areas together through these plans makes perfect sense. It reflects the collaborative approach now being taken to ensure the skills system delivers what businesses and our emerging workforce needs.”
