Up to 1,500 new flexible apprenticeships will be available across a number of key sectors that ‘boost the economy’ including early years, healthcare, construction and creative industries.
The aim of the 'flexible apprenticeships', announced during this week’s National Apprenticeship Week (7-13 February), is to make it easier for employers, particularly those with short-term toles, easier to take on an apprentice.
Under the new scheme, agencies will act as employers and place apprentices within different companies.
A total of 15 organisations have been approved to establish Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agencies. The agencies will recruit and employ apprentices and place them with host businesses to work on a range of ‘exciting projects’, so they gain the skills and experience in previously ‘untapped industries’.
For example, an apprentice working in construction could fulfil several contracts – such as working on both home refurbishments and bigger infrastructural projects- and ‘earn while they learn.’
The Government has awarded almost £5 million to support employers, including the BBC and NHS, to offer the flexi-job apprenticeship scheme and support recruitment of apprentices.
It is hoped the new scheme will increase the number of people doing apprenticeships. It comes after ministers were urged to do more to boost apprenticeship starts.
Education secretary Nadhim Zahawi said, ‘Gone are the days when apprenticeships are restricted by a one-size fits all approach.
‘Through our dynamic post-16 reforms, we are investing directly in people, delivering prestigious and flexible apprenticeships which suits learners’ needs.
‘New flexi-job apprenticeships will not only help to deliver the skilled workforce needed to support a diverse range of sectors to grow, but it will create even more exciting opportunities for people to secure a great career.’
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak added, ‘Apprenticeships are a cornerstone of our Plan for Jobs, providing people with an excellent route into some of the best careers and contributing to a high-skill, high-productivity economy.’
