Apprenticeship goal is threatened

MPs fear the quality of apprenticeships could drop

The government's flagship apprenticeship bill is threatened by the economic downturn, two parliamentary reports say.

The key target is for 400,000 apprenticeship places to be on offer in England by 2020.

While supporting the goal, MPs from two select committees have questioned whether the bill in its present form will enable that to happen.

In previous recessions, employers have tended to cut apprentice schemes.

Both the Children, Schools and Families Committee and the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee say the current bill does not go far enough.

To avoid employers cutting schemes, MPs say small businesses in particular will need assistance and public sector employers will have to play a major part.

They say even if the 400,000 target can be met, there is concern it may be at the expense of quality.

If that happens, MPs conclude, no-one will want to be an apprentice.