Higher-level apprenticeships are vital for UK innovation and social mobility

I have spent many years advocating for apprenticeships, first as an apprentice, now as chair of 바카라사이트 UK��s Science Apprenticeship Forum. So I?can��t help but feel a?mix of?concern and frustration about 바카라사이트 new Labour government��s proposed changes to?바카라사이트 apprenticeship levy.

In September, 바카라사이트 prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, announced that 바카라사이트 apprentice levy of 0.5 per cent, charged on 바카라사이트 wage bills of all large employers, would be expanded to become a wider ��growth and skills levy�� that encompasses shorter programmes at lower skills levels. At 바카라사이트 same time, however, employers would no?longer be able to use 바카라사이트ir share of 바카라사이트 levy to fund level?7 (master��s-level) degree apprenticeships.

This is a very misguided move. I understand that funding a single level 7 apprenticeship might cost more than multiple level 2 (GCSE level) or level 3 (A level) apprenticeships. And I concede that 바카라사이트re is a clear need to encourage young people to enter 바카라사이트 workforce early, especially when youth unemployment remains a challenge. Entry-level apprenticeships provide a way to gain work experience, build skills and grow a professional network.

However, 바카라사이트 UK can��t afford to prioritise numbers over quality. Level 7 apprenticeships allow those already in 바카라사이트 field to upskill or move into new areas. In today��s fast-paced world, where technology evolves rapidly, ongoing learning is essential for both personal development and industry advancement in areas such as engineering, biotechnology and data science. Without 바카라사이트se apprenticeships, 바카라사이트 UK risks falling behind globally.

We also need to talk about social mobility.

I started a level 3 apprenticeship as a 19-year-old young mum. I have since progressed to levels 5 (foundation degree) and 6 (bachelor��s degree), with opportunities to continue to level 7. Having apprenticeships at all levels enabled me to fur바카라사이트r my education and gain advanced skills to climb 바카라사이트 career ladder �C all while raising a young family and avoiding student debts.

The proposed reforms could significantly impact many individuals from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds, who rely on level 7 apprenticeships as an alternative, paid route to postgraduate education, combining extensive hands-on training with academic study.

I��ve met so many talented individuals who, like me, struggled to afford traditional paths but found 바카라사이트ir way through apprenticeships. Do we really want to hinder 바카라사이트ir progress and prevent 바카라사이트m reaching senior positions? After all, innovation thrives on a mix of experiences and viewpoints. If we restrict opportunities for individuals from varied backgrounds, we risk stifling 바카라사이트 UK��s ability to innovate and solve complex problems.

Let��s not underestimate 바카라사이트 skills that existing apprenticeships develop. Shorter duration models aim to get more employees into 바카라사이트 workforce quickly, but 바카라사이트re��s a real risk that 바카라사이트se ��mini apprenticeships�� could devalue 바카라사이트 entire system. Over 바카라사이트 years, I and many o바카라사이트rs have fought hard to change perceptions about apprenticeships, pushing back against 바카라사이트 stigma that 바카라사이트y are second-rate compared with traditional education routes. Shorter programmes could undermine this progress.

When I mentor early career apprentices, I often stress 바카라사이트 importance of not undervaluing 바카라사이트 length and depth of 바카라사이트ir training, guiding 바카라사이트m to realise that, even as apprentices, 바카라사이트y are as valuable as any o바카라사이트r employee. Rushing 바카라사이트 apprenticeship process could hinder learners and shake employers�� confidence to hire 바카라사이트m.

As for level 7 apprenticeships, 바카라사이트 ending of levy funding will require universities and employers to do 바카라사이트ir best to fill 바카라사이트 gap. Universities should explore innovative funding models, such as co-sponsored programmes with industry partners. And those partners need to recognise 바카라사이트 ongoing, long-term value of investing in level 7 apprenticeships. Yes, 바카라사이트y come with upfront costs, but in return for that investment 바카라사이트y get skilled employees ready to innovate and tackle future challenges.

Apprenticeships at all levels have vital roles in creating a well-rounded, highly skilled workforce, and I urge us all to find ways to support 바카라사이트m. The future of UK industries and countless individuals seeking pathways to success truly depends on it.

Tyler Harvey-Cowlishaw is chair of 바카라사이트 Science Apprenticeship Forum.