Apprentices: Coronavirus

(asked on 28th April 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of young people losing apprenticeship opportunities due to the current crisis; and what plans they have to provide access to high-quality and independent advice and guidance for such young people.


Answered by
Baroness Berridge Portrait
Baroness Berridge
This question was answered on 18th May 2020

We have introduced flexibilities to make it easier for apprentices of all ages to continue to benefit from the high-quality training that an apprenticeship provides. We are encouraging providers and assessment organisations to deliver training and assessments remotely and are keen that providers remain open for business to support learners.

Furloughed apprentices can continue to train and undertake end point assessments ensuring they can continue to progress in their careers. Where it is not possible to continue training, employers and providers can now initiate a break in learning so that the apprenticeship can resume when possible. We are pleased that 81% of apprentices have been able to continue with their studies.

We are also supporting employers and training providers during this challenging time so that people can continue to access high-quality apprenticeship opportunities. Employers can still recruit and start apprentices and eligible furloughed employees can also start apprenticeships.

Our new Apprenticeship Hub contains a full list of our guidance for apprentices affected by COVID-19 on GOV.UK, https://help.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk/hc/en-gb/sections/360003798540-Apprentice

People of all ages can also use Find an Apprenticeship to search for new apprenticeship opportunities: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.

The National Careers Service will continue to provide high-quality, impartial careers information, advice, and guidance to young people at this difficult time via its helpline, website and web chat facility. The Careers & Enterprise Company will also continue to support schools and colleges, where possible, to provide young people with quality careers education and guidance.

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