Government Skills
Last updated: 7 November, 2008
28 October 2008
Ministers called for urgent action from the public sector to increase apprenticeship numbers during the global downturn. They argue that this is key if more people are to get the jobs they want in tougher times.
Over 1,000 apprentices will work in central government departments and agencies this academic year, more than double the original target, Skills Secretary John Denham and Schools Secretary Ed Balls announced, but they call for a further expansion.
In January 2008, civil service employers committed to expanding the number of apprenticeship places available in the public sector with 500 new apprentices beginning their training in government departments and agencies from September 2008 through a pathfinder, co-ordinated by Government Skills, the sector skills council for government.
Already over 100 employees have begun their apprenticeships in the civil service covering a range of jobs from engineering and immigration officers to working in ministers offices and as driving test examiners. Many of the apprenticeships will include a qualification in business administration, IT, team leading and customer service.
Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell said:
“The civil service apprenticeship pathfinder is an important step in our commitment to investing in staff so that they have the skills they need to do their jobs effectively. The pathfinder is a great example of the value Government Skills adds by supporting departments to work collectively to increase the numbers of apprenticeships offered in the civil service.”
Skills Secretary John Denham said:
“We have rescued apprenticeships with the number of people taking them trebling since 1997. And we want to make them a mainstream option for young people and adults.
“However the public sector has not kept pace with other employers in embracing the opportunities offered by apprenticeships. It is essential that we now match its growth. Public sector apprenticeships are going to be even more important in the current economic climate, and they offer a key opportunity to enable young people and adults to reach their potential and help see us through the current difficulties.
“The fact that these apprentices are involved in so many activities across the Government is practical proof that apprenticeships are changing. It is no longer just about construction and plumbing, but about training people for great career jobs right across the workforce.”
The Government has more than doubled the number of apprentices over the past ten years and wants to see many more young people and adults taking them up and has committed to increase spending to over £1 billion by 2010/11.
