Balls told the Children, Schools and Families Select Committee last week that he would like to see 4,000 apprenticeships in schools as soon as possible.
Christine Blower, acting general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, called the plan an "ill thought out idea". She said: "We want young people to stay in education for as long as possible. Offering apprenticeships in schools to pupils who finished their education early sends out entirely the wrong message."
She added: "This is an ill thought out idea; there is plenty of scope for work experience in schools but not apprenticeships. Teachers need assistance in the classroom, but having to assist apprentices in the classroom will pose too much of a distraction from their core responsibilities."
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