Looking at alternative options to university

Plans by the coalition government to invest £150 million in creating 50,000 apprenticeship places, is good news for smaller businesses, who are feeling the pinch.  Not only that, but a squeeze on university places – with as many as 150,000 applicants thought to have failed in their quest for places this summer – means a swathe of sixth formers will need to look at alternative forms of education.

With a move away from the traditional route of going to university for school leavers on the horizon for many, and the range of choices opened up, this is sure to change the dynamics of the work market and the way new employees are sourced and trained.  As said by David Willetts, the Universities Minister to the BBC on August 8 2010: "I think we should get away from the mindset that there is only one option, which is at the age of 18 going away from home to university for three years.

"There are other ways of getting training.  They can go into work and try to get training through Apprenticeships, with 50,000 extra Apprenticeship places, and there are more places at Further Education colleges."

The Chief Executive of the University and Colleges Admissions Service, Mary Curnock Cook pointed to the fact sixth formers will be joined in the admissions scrap by more than 45, 000 people who were rejected last year and more applications from mature students than ever before.  In an interview with The Independent she said: "There won't be an open-ended number of places so there will be disappointed applicants.  I think they may have to look at a range of alternatives.  These include taking up Apprenticeships, which the government is quite keen on."

As Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable announced a review of Higher Education tuition, the possibility of a Graduate Tax also means that taking on apprentices could be the desirable option for businesses and for those who may not have considered one before.

Leicester College is one institution which offers an extensive Apprenticeship programme not only for school leavers, but also for those who are older and want to retrain whilst on the job.  Subjects on offer at the College include not just the traditional apprenticeship subjects like Construction and Engineering, but also options of studying Oral Health and Retail.  With most of the College's Apprenticeship courses now being work based with day release and with workplace visits and ongoing tutor support at College and in the workplace it can be seen why it is an attractive option.

For an employer, having staff that are trained in their specialism related to their job role brings benefits back to the organisation and at the same time increases productivity and effectiveness in the workplace. 

The ability to re-train and get a fresh start in another industry sector means that an apprenticeship could be a more attractive choice for those that are a little older and want a second chance at a career.  In current economic times, the flexibility of an apprenticeship gives people a chance to have a go at developing new skills whilst still being able to pay the bills.

The announcement that there will be National Insurance breaks for small and start-up businesses which take on apprentices is sure to also be well received news for smaller companies.

Leicester College Training Manager, Craig Veasey agrees that apprenticeships are now the referred route for many.  He said: "Apprenticeships can give people a second chance to gain up-to-date skills and a qualification while they work, and this also brings back benefits to the organisation by saving efficiencies and in providing quality of service."

Case study

Louise Davis, Tanya Harris Hairdressing
With motivated staff and the salon busier than ever at Tanya Harris Hairdressing in Blaby, investment in apprentices has clearly worked out well for owners Tanya and Mick. Staff retention at the salon is high and many of the customers have been going back to the salon for years. 

Louise Davis first joined the salon in 2007 as a stylist and is now qualified through the Advanced Apprenticeship in Hairdressing to NVQ 3 standard working as a Senior Stylist.  "As well as cuts and colours, I've also begun a Barbering qualification - all extra strings to my bow," said Louise.

Tanya said: "The apprenticeship programme promotes employment longevity as it's not just a job but a skilled profession and we are keen to recruit learners that feel this way. The rewards are reaped by investing in apprenticeships: everyone is on to a winner."