Since the snap election was announced by Theresa May earlier in the year, there have been a lot of questions as to what that will mean for many aspects in our lives. From how the NHS may change, to how Brexit will impact the economy and even how apprenticeships may change with the next Government. All of the main parties agree with apprenticeships and support them, however, how they support them and to what extent varies between the parties. One thing that is for certain is that although there are still likely to be apprenticeship targets, goalposts will change. For example, targets by 2020 will change to 2022 – the end of the next parliament. It is not yet known what the target will be as all the parties have different ambitions.
Conservatives Policies On Apprenticeships
After introducing the apprenticeship levy and aiming to get 3 million people into apprenticeships by 2020, it is obvious that the Conservatives support apprenticeships within businesses. In addition to this, they are also looking at creating more Institutes of Technology to deliver a variety of qualifications including the delivery of Higher Level Apprenticeships. Furthermore, employees will have the right to request leave specifically for training – which adds more value to training in the workplace as well as apprenticeships. They are also looking to replace technical qualifications with T-Levels and increase teaching hours by 50%. The conservatives are also looking to increase investment with Universities to make the UK the ‘most innovative country in the world’. In terms of pay for apprentices, the Conservatives also introduced the National Living Wage which is set to continue to increase. Although this does not directly affect the apprenticeship wage, this increase does apply to apprentices that are over 25 years and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship.
Green Party Policies On Apprenticeships
As of yet, the Green Party haven’t released their manifesto however they have released the key points that they stand for in this election. They are looking to guarantee access to apprenticeships for all 16-25 year olds. They are also looking to scrap age related wages – meaning that no matter your age when you finish your apprenticeship you’ll be entitled to National Living Wage. On another note, the Green Party are also looking to lower the voting age to 16 years old – meaning more young people get to vote on their future.
Labour Policies On Apprenticeships
One of labours election pledges is to attain full employment by investing £500 million in infrastructure and industry to help build a highly skilled, high-tech, low-carbon economy where no community is left behind – which mirrors the main principles of apprenticeships. To further this they want to double the number of people who have completed NVQ Level 3 apprenticeships by 2022. Labour also want to make sure that the quality of apprenticeships stays high by doing an annual report on their quality. They are also looking to have trade union representatives for apprenticeships as well as increase the number of apprenticeships for people with disabilities, care leavers, veterans and LGBT communities. A key point for many people, especially those living in more rural areas is that Labour will look to protect funding for small / medium sized businesses in terms of apprentice employment if they do not pay into the apprenticeship levy. This is particularly useful in rural communities.
Liberal Democrats Policies On Apprenticeships
The Lib Dems want ‘it to become the norm for businesses to take on and train up young people as apprentices in every sector of our economy, and for high-level apprenticeships to be understood as a respected alternative to university education’. This in itself is a massive statement to be put in a manifesto and goes to show that the Liberal Democrats are invested in apprenticeships. They also aim to double the number of businesses which hire apprentices, including in new sectors like the creative and digital industries. In addition to this they want to encourage underrepresented groups to apply for apprenticeships. They also want to improve innovation by developing the workforce with a ‘major expansion of high-quality apprenticeships’ which would mean a lot more opportunities for you. Something else that may be good for you to consider is that they would want to introduce a new Young Person’s Bus Discount Card, for young people aged 16-21, giving a two-thirds discount on bus travel. This would mean that more people can get to work, their apprenticeship or place of education.
UKIP policies on apprenticeships
At this stage, UKIP also haven’t released their full manifesto however they have released their local manifestos. Although at this stage, not much has been said about their thoughts on apprenticeships, they do say that they will continue to encourage apprenticeships. To read UKIPs policies click here
SNP policies on apprenticeships
If you are looking to vote for SNP, you do have to live in Scotland because there aren’t usually representatives in England, Wales and Northern Island. However, it is still important to consider their policies on apprenticeships as it has a big effect on the election results. SNP have said that they would not only increase the number of modern apprenticeships to 30,000 a year by 2020 but they have also said that they would give free bus travel to those under 21 undertaking an apprenticeship. This would make apprenticeships easier to access for a lot of young people, especially in more remote places where public transport is not only expensive but difficult to find.
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