This briefing paper looks at disparities in access and distribution of apprenticeships and early employment opportunities amongst young people.
As a result of the findings raised in the briefing paper, key recommendations include:
- The government should lead action with employers to tackle the continued
under-representation of ethnic minority young people on apprenticeships in higher value
sectors such as construction and engineering - A renewed drive is needed to create more apprenticeships in higher value sectors in London,
along with pilot initiatives to test ways of supporting young Londoners to take up
apprenticeship opportunities in high value sectors in other regions. - In order that disparities in apprenticeship application success rates can be tracked, the
government should require all employers with 50+ employees to monitor and publish
information about apprenticeship applications and appointments by age, gender and
ethnicity. - A national review of take up of Jobcentre Plus services by ethnic minority young people is
urgently needed, with action to address barriers deterring some communities from accessing
employment support and opportunities only available through JCP. - The government should publish data on degree-level apprenticeships, with breakdowns in
application, start and completion rates by gender, age and ethnicity.