Ofsted: Young people need prior work experience to make most of apprenticeships
11th April 2012
Posted by Rachel Krys
Better access to work experience during their school years could help young people make the most of apprenticeship schemes and so improve levels of workplace inclusion among the country's youth, a new report suggests.
A growing role for apprenticeships is seen by many as a cornerstone in tackling currently high levels of youth unemployment and the government recently released figures showing that the 2011/12 academic year is on course to see the highest number of new apprentices for at least ten years.
However, according to a new report from Ofsted, how much value these apprenticeships offer young workers largely to depends on what prior work experience and careers guidance they have received at school.
Researchers found that trainees who had completed work experience, course tasters or vocational study were more likely to make better progress as apprentices than people who started straight from school without it.
"When preparing post-16s for apprenticeships schools need to provide meaningful work experience," said Matthew Coffey, national director for learning and skills.
"While the majority of learners are completing their apprenticeships around a quarter are dropping out. It is clear that more work experience, vocational study and course tasters are needed to ensure learners are on the right apprenticeship for them and that they understand the demands of work."
The report found that offering work experience in areas which interest young people has a positive effect in equipping them with an appropriate work ethic and basic employment skills.
It also revealed that employers and educators who worked in partnership had a better understanding of how the apprenticeship was delivered and so were better placed to help the young person capture evidence of the skills they learnt during their training.
"There has been much concern lately about the quality of apprenticeships. When looking at the national picture we can see that around 70 per cent of apprenticeships are good or outstanding but more needs to be done to improve provision further," added Mr Coffey.
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