New research has highlighted that among other factors minimum maths and English requirements, as well as high travel costs and low wages, are acting as barriers to disadvantaged young people having the opportunity to embark on apprenticeship programmes. 

A new study by the National Foundation for Education Research (NFER) has highlighted the inequality of opportunity that young people from disadvantaged communities face in gaining access to apprenticeship programmes. Several factors were identified such as the setting of minimum maths and English requirements for certain levels of apprenticeship. Low wages and travel costs were also highlighted by the foundation as a barrier which will worsen as the cost of living continues to increase. 

The NFER proposes that the government should create financial incentives for apprenticeship providers to take on apprentices without the minimum English and maths requirements. The foundation also raised the idea of the 16-19 bursary fund becoming available to apprentices to assist with travel costs and called for the government to review the current minimum apprenticeship wage.

 

Read more here