‘Apprenticeships must last a year’

Skills Minister John Hayes has revealed that from August next year apprentices will have to last at least 12 months. The stipulation, which has been introduced to improve the quality of learning, will apply to work-based training schemes available to all age groups. The measure will be introduced in a little over 12 months’ time, subject to consultation with providers and employers. Apprentices for people aged between 16 and 18 will have to last a year, while those aged 19 or over who undertake an apprenticeship will learn on the job for between one to four years unless they already have carried out prior training. Mr Hayes said: “We must be relentless in our drive to ensure all apprenticeships are as good as the best, to identify and root out any instances of poor quality provision, and to raise the bar on standards. “We are taking strong and decisive action to tackle short duration so all apprentices receive high quality training and workplace learning setting them on the road to a long, rewarding career.” Our Employment team provides advice on the employment aspects of all major business decisions. For advice, contact a member of the team: call us on 08456 381381 or email employment@ibblaw.co.uk.