Sussex apprenticeships 'as good as degrees' (From The Argus)

Sussex apprenticeships 'as good as degrees'

12:03pm Wednesday 1st February 2012 in Business News By John Keenan, business editor

Business leaders and politicians say apprenticeships have as much value to employers as degrees.

The Government has insisted that young people with practical ambitions and talents are as important to the economy and society as those who go to university. A spokesman for the Department of Business Innovation and Skills said apprenticeships provide people, businesses and the economy with valuable jobs and skills.

He said: “We are creating thousands of new higher apprenticeships – up to degree equivalent – delivering not just basic training, but the high level, high tech skills that drive growth.”

Shadow Education Secretary Stephen Twigg said parents and young people should view practical courses with as much prestige as university courses.

His call comes as firms gear up for National Apprenticeship Week on February 6-10. Mr Twigg said that apprenticeships are excellent routes into industry.

He said: “It’s great that the idea of taking an apprenticeship still has such great appeal as they combine the theory elements of a course with the important practical side. It is this key ingredient that degrees generally miss. “So while some students are still applying for the courses with the £9,000 tuition fees a year attached, it’s no wonder there is a sudden 8% decrease in university applications.”

Phil Frier, chief executive and principal at City College Brighton and Hove said the college has more than 250 apprentices on its books.

He said: “City College is working with employers across the city to increase opportunities for young people to 'learn on the job'. We believe it is a great alternative to Higher Education and brings fantastic benefits both to our students and also to the employers themselves. “In the next few months we are launching our Brighton jobs programme with our key employer partners to create further apprenticeship opportunities.”

Mark Froud, chief executive at Sussex Enterprise, the county’s chamber of commerce, said: “Businesses do see the benefits of apprenticeships. For many business owners they are a critical way to train up young people and adults that then help grow their firms. However, smaller companies often shy away from taking on apprentices. They worry about the initial costs involved, the skill levels of candidates, and the potential risks to their business.

“Small firms must be incentivised to take on apprentices, so we welcome the government’s moves to strip away some of the obstacles that have made it hard for smaller firms to get engaged. By reducing red tape, and incentivising businesses to take the plunge, the government is offering real help to firms and apprentices alike.”

Tony Mernagh, chief executive at Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, said: “Apprenticeships are a great though often under-appreciated route both into work and up the employment ladder for those already in work.

“The government is supporting them nationally with hard cash and we have fantastic local opportunities via institutions like City College.

“There really never has been a better time to take a look at what they can offer.”