The ITP has welcomed the Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement on apprenticeship funding (as part of measures to boost the economy and address unemployment) and urged the comms sector to 'step up'.
The government has pledged a £2,000 grant for employers per apprentice under 25 hired; and £1,500 for those over 25, for six months starting 1 August (in England).
He also announced £100m to create places on Level 2 and 3 courses' and £32m over two years for a National Careers Service to provide advice on work and training (in England).
Crissi Williams, CEO of the ITP, said: “It is estimated that there could be more than one million young workers without a job if the overall UK level of unemployment goes up.
"As an organisation which has championed apprenticeships since launching our scheme in 2013, we welcome this announcement.
"It’s great to see apprenticeships recognised for the important part they play in the economy and for individuals and businesses alike. Now, more than ever, we need to create simple routes to industry for young people.
"It’s now time for our industry to step up and play its part. We need more businesses to hire apprentices, to get more young people into the fields of telecoms, IT and engineering.
"We need to use this opportunity to close the much-documented skills gap once and for all, and to lead the way in hiring, training and developing the next generation of talent.”
According to the National Apprenticeship Service, 78% of employers report improved productivity thanks to their apprentices; and 90% of apprentices stay on in their place of work after completing an apprenticeship.