Schools 'should promote apprenticeships'

Those with jobs in education are being urged to offer pupils more information on the benefits of apprenticeships.

Fiona Murray, senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry, said that schools often see universities as the ideal aspiration for their students.

Secondary school staff could make pupils more aware of the monetary benefits of industry placements, many of which offer under-18s the minimum wage, she added.

According to Ms Murray, school-leavers are likely to find a placement as some employers are happy to take on more apprentices than they need for their own supply-chain.

Earlier this week saw the government announce the release of £25 million of funding for apprenticeships within the NHS.

Apprenticeships are expected to include IT, facilities management and catering roles as well as healthcare support positions.

The funding forms part of the government's pledge to increase public sector apprenticeships by 21,000.

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