Unite welcomes National Audit Office’s report on the value of adult
apprenticeships
1 February 2012
Unite has welcomed the National Audit Office’s report published
today (Wednesday 1 February) which makes a clear argument on the
value of adult apprenticeships; they are a very good return for
public spending.
Unite, the UK’s largest union, has consistently advocated and
supported the funding of adult apprenticeships, notably in
manufacturing, as these workers often have the existing
transferable skills and experience to bring to the apprenticeship
programme.
The union is also pleased to see in the report that advanced
apprenticeships yield a higher return than intermediate
apprenticeships, with an anticipated spending on adult
apprenticeships, producing an economic return of £18 for every £1
of public sector investment.
Unfortunately, the report goes on to say that most
apprenticeships are still at a significantly lower level than those
offered by other countries. For example, only 33 per cent of
apprenticeships in the UK are at an advanced level compared with 60
per cent in France.
Unite assistant general secretary, Tony Burke, said: "This
report shows the real value of offering adults the opportunity to
start an apprenticeship. With the ongoing skills gaps and shortages
in the UK manufacturing sector, it is only through apprenticeships
that the UK can produce the 'home grown' talent to produce the
highly skilled workers of the future."
The apprenticeship programme expanded by 140 per cent between
2006/2007 and 2010/2011, with apprentices over 25 years of age
accounting for 68 per cent of this increase.
ENDS
For further information contact Ashraf Choudhury in the Unite
Press Office on 020 3371 2061 or 07980 224761.
Notes to news editors:
To download a copy of the report entitled ‘Adult
Apprenticeships’ visit:
http://www.nao.org.uk/publications/1012/adult_apprenticeships.aspx
