As the recession deepens, so do worries about a generation of young people being locked out of education, employment or training. Increasing the availability of apprenticeships forms part of this government's solution. The message is that investing now in a skilled workforce will equip the nation for better times.
Nearly half of apprentices are 16- and 17-year-olds. Good apprenticeships will transform lives. They introduce young people to the norms and practices of a workplace. Whether they are in service industries or traditional manual trades, they provide a structured experience with goals of performance, so young people learn about accountability.
But the government's present emphasis on boosting apprenticeships is also down to a looming target: by 2013, every suitably qualified school leaver will be entitled to an apprenticeship place. Given that in previous recessions employers have cut back on apprentices, and that many organisations are currently fighting for existence, there is real anxiety there won't be anything like the supply required to meet this duty.
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