What are the parties policies on apprenticeships? Do they even back them?

Since the snap election was announced by Theresa May earlier in the year, there have been a lot of questions as to what that will mean for many aspects in our lives. From how the NHS may change, to how Brexit will impact the economy and even how apprenticeships may change with the next Government. All of the main parties agree with apprenticeships and support them, however, how they support them and to what extent varies between the parties. One thing that is for certain is that although there are still likely to be apprenticeship targets, goalposts will change. For example, targets by 2020 will change to 2022 – the end of the next parliament. It is not yet known what the target will be as all the parties have different ambitions.

Conservatives Policies On Apprenticeships

After introducing the apprenticeship levy and aiming to get 3 million people into apprenticeships by 2020, it is obvious that the Conservatives support apprenticeships within businesses. In addition to this, they are also looking at creating more Institutes of Technology to deliver a variety of qualifications including the delivery of Higher Level Apprenticeships. Furthermore, employees will have the right to request leave specifically for training – which adds more value to training in the workplace as well as apprenticeships. They are also looking to replace technical qualifications with T-Levels and increase teaching hours by 50%. The conservatives are also looking to increase investment with Universities to make the UK the ‘most innovative country in the world’. In terms of pay for apprentices, the Conservatives also introduced the National Living Wage which is set to continue to increase. Although this does not directly affect the apprenticeship wage, this increase does apply to apprentices that are over 25 years and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship. 

Green Party Policies On Apprenticeships

As of yet, the Green Party haven’t released their manifesto however they have released the key points that they stand for in this election. They are looking to guarantee access to apprenticeships for all 16-25 year olds. They are also looking to scrap age related wages – meaning that no matter your age when you finish your apprenticeship you’ll be entitled to National Living Wage. On another note, the Green Party are also looking to lower the voting age to 16 years old – meaning more young people get to vote on their future. 

Apprenticeships