What challenges do young people face finding apprenticeships with The Spark Group?

There's an extremely high demand for apprenticeships, with about 100 inquiries for every one electrical apprenticeship position available.

How does the benefits system affect young people trying to work in Birmingham?

Young people's benefits are reduced quickly upon starting work, often leading to debt and forcing them out of employment prematurely.

Why are young people struggling to get into training in Stoke-on-Trent?

Those who didn't achieve good grades at school find it difficult to access training, as opportunities are more readily available for academically successful students.

Home / Education / Youth Training Gap: Opportunities Missed

Youth Training Gap: Opportunities Missed

15 Dec

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Summary

Young people lacking academic grades struggle to access training programs.
Demand for apprenticeships far exceeds available spots, one employer noted.
Financial penalties in the benefits system hinder young people's employment.

Youth Training Gap: Opportunities Missed

Opportunities to guide young people into employment are being overlooked, warns Daniel Canavan, founder of The Spark Group. He highlights that individuals who did not excel academically face substantial hurdles in accessing vital training programs, leaving them in a difficult position. While a £820m government Jobs Guarantee Scheme is acknowledged, Canavan suggests that greater support for businesses would create more available roles.

Anecdotal evidence points to an overwhelming demand for apprenticeships, with one electrical apprenticeship receiving around 100 inquiries. This disparity underscores the challenge for young people who fall outside the 'grades' or 'work-ready' categories. They are often caught in a system where the focus is on their perceived failures rather than on practical skill development needed to fill national shortages.

Furthermore, the benefits system presents another significant obstacle. Councillor Rick Deller and supported individual Kiera Elliott note that as soon as young people start earning, their benefits are reduced, potentially leading to debt and forcing them to leave employment prematurely. This cycle traps many, preventing them from achieving stable employment.