Data analysis by Droitwich & Evesham Labour Party shows a blow to apprenticeships as fewer people start training in Wychavon
The number of apprenticeship starters across Wychavon has fallen over 28 percent since 2015, according to data analysis from the region’s Labour Party.
Uptake in apprenticeships has dropped from 1,020 in 2015 to just 730 in the latest available figures (a 28.4 percent decrease), prompting Labour’s newest manifesto to focus on boosting those numbers upon possible election.
The Droitwich and Evesham Labour Party is emphasising the wider party’s plans to form Skills England, a new national body tasked with meeting the need for training in the next decade.
Skills England aims to push decision-making on skills out of Westminster into local communities to allow them to match skills training to local business needs and boost local and regional economies.
Alex Knudsen, Chair of the local Labour Party, said, “Families in Wychavon want to see their children do well and get on – and apprenticeships are a great route to doing exactly that. But under the Conservatives fewer and fewer young people are able to find opportunities to take up a place. Labour will reverse this trend, giving businesses the flexibility they need to train people up with new skills with digital technologies, to the new green skills needed to tackle climate change”.
Bridget Phillipson MP, Shadow Education Secretary recently said, “Despite their rhetoric, the Tories have overseen a decade of decline in skills and training opportunities which is holding Britain back. From digital to green skills, childcare to social care, Labour will harness the talents and abilities of the British people so we can strengthen our economy and break down barriers to opportunity.”
“More training opportunities so people can gain new skills, access better jobs and grow our economy. That’s the difference a Labour Government will make.”
Wychavon District Council emphasised its offer of financial and practical support for those who take part in or facilitate apprenticeship training programmes.
Wychavon’s Head of Economic Development, Shawn Riley, said: “The council also works closely with local schools, Worcestershire County Council and employers on events such as the Worcestershire Skills Show, The Apprenticeship Show and The Apprenticeship Awards which highlight opportunities available.”
First published on the 16th February 2024 in the Droitwich Standard.