London has second lowest apprenticeship start rate
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Analysis of the latest figures from the Skills Funding Agency by London Assembly Member Murad Qureshi AM, has shown that the number of people in Hounslow starting apprenticeships has fallen for the second year running. The figures have cast major doubt on Boris Johnson’s ability to fulfil his election pledge to deliver 250,000 apprenticeships by 2016.
The provisional figures show that only 38,550 apprenticeships were started Londonwide in the 2013/14 academic year, down 6,520 on last year’s numbers. In Hounslow the overall number of apprenticeships started dropped by 130 last year from 1460 in 2012/13 to 1330. This is the second year in a row in which the number of apprenticeship starts has fallen.
In June this year the Londonwide Local Enterprise Partnership stated that the capital would need to increase the number of apprentices by 19% each year if it is to hit the Mayor’s target. Despite that warning, London now has the second lowest apprenticeship start rate in the UK with only the North East lagging behind it. By contrast the North West saw almost double London’s number of apprenticeship starts.
Murad Qureshi AM, Labour London wide Assembly Member, said:
“It is deeply worrying that for the second year running the number of apprenticeships started in Hounslow is falling, making it clearer than ever that Boris Johnson’s target is not going to be met.
“Good quality apprenticeships are vital to getting our young people the skills, training and expertise they need to succeed in the jobs market; particularly in a city as competitive as London.
“Last year’s fall in apprenticeships was a clear signal that the Mayor needed to do more to encourage companies to take on apprentices and work closely with local councils, yet little appears to have been done. Boris Johnson’s inability to get more businesses signed up for apprenticeships is not only leaving London falling behind the rest of the country, but letting down the young Londoners who are desperately seeking these kind of opportunities”
November 13, 2014
