I agree with the Fabian Society’s finding that many people struggle to access apprenticeships because the system is so confusing (Only 160 apprenticeship starts in eight months on Labour’s flagship scheme, 21 September).
In my work in youth employment, students often tell me that they do not want to go to university and want to pursue an apprenticeship instead. But finding suitable opportunities is extremely difficult.
Even with specialist staff available to help them, navigating the process remains challenging, so it is hard to see how young people are expected to manage it independently.
Apprenticeships are extremely important. We need far more of them in all fields, but especially in technical ones, and expanding provision would benefit employers as well as young people.
Yet the system is labyrinthine and many employers do not appear to be fully up to speed with how it works or what support is available. How can we simplify the process and make apprenticeships accessible?
Dr Gillian McIver
London
What politicians and civil servants fail to understand about the low take-up of apprenticeships is how bad the situation became under the Conservatives.
Youth services were decimated, young people’s work opportunities and expectations were squeezed, and the voluntary sector was allowed to wither.
What is needed is something like the Future Jobs Fund, which created real jobs in community organisations, provided positive work experience and developed relevant skills.
It was not cheap, but between 2009 and 2011, the scheme generated a net societal benefit of around £7,750 per participant.
Don Macdonald
London
