Apprenticeships Case

Question 1:

Trade unions have a key role in the workplace in protecting the interests of their members. These include ensuring fair pay, good working conditions, job security, training and a say in workplace decisions. UNISON is Europe's largest public sector trade union. UNISON has been closely involved with developing apprenticeship schemes. These are training programs that combine education with work for young people. By the way Training programs take place both on-the-job and off-the-job. On-the-job training takes place at the employer's place of work, whilst off-the-job training takes place away from the workplace at a college or training provider.

First, UNISON will let a trainees involve on-the-job training, which gives them experience of the day-to-day pressures and conventions of working life. Second, they enable a young person to earn while learning. This is an enormously attractive feature to young people who do not want to study full-time and would otherwise not learn, and quite possibly not work either. Third, and linked to this, they closely involve employers; this gives individual firms an opportunity to fashion the training of apprentices to their own requirements, and gives apprentices the chance not only to train but also to engage in a continuing relationship with an employer.

At one time craft and technical apprenticeships, such as joinery, were common in public authorities. These have significantly reduced over the last 20 years. As a result, many public service employers are now faced with an ageing workforce, skill shortages and difficulty in attracting younger workers with relevant practical skills. In response to this situation, many of these employers are now developing their own apprenticeship schemes. The UK government wants to have a major increase in the number of public sector apprenticeship schemes for young people. It needs to ensure that there are enough places available for every suitably qualified young person by the time the education and training participation age is raised in England in 2013. It plans to create at least 21,000 new apprentice places in the NHS, education and local government. To support this plan, from November 2009, apprenticeship programs are now covered by Act of Parliament. In 2009, 250,000 apprenticeships started. High quality training through apprenticeships gives young people the confidence and skill to take on important work roles. This not only benefits the businesses they work in but also allows the UK economy to grow. The previous UK government passed an Act of Parliament to increase the number of apprenticeships. The new coalition government has said it wants to continue with the expansion. High quality apprenticeship training gives young people confidence and skill at work which benefits both businesses and the UK economy.

Question 2:

Many people in the UK now fit into what is called the 'baby boom' generation - people born in the 1950s and 1960s who are now nearing retirement. This means the economy needs more young skilled workers to replace them. Apprenticeships