Skills and apprenticeships to drive sustained economic recovery

David Cameron has promised to lead a government for one nation and make Great Britain greater as he returned to Downing Street as prime minister. The Conservatives’ victory means they will be able to govern without the need for a coalition or a formal agreement with other parties

The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) has welcomed Prime Minister David Cameron’s commitment to skills and apprenticeships following their election victory.

Cameron, now in charge for another term, said in his victory speech earlier on today that he was looking to create three million apprenticeships, as outlined in the Conservative Manifesto.

AELP has recognised the significance of the victory and says it will work with the new government as it implements its manifesto.

AELP CEO Stewart Segal said: “We welcome that employment and skills were at the centre of the government’s manifesto because there is a proven return on investment in these programmes in terms of the economy, business competitiveness and wage growth for people in sustainable employment.  We also welcome the fact that government wishes to grow high quality apprenticeships and that these should be available across all levels and all ages.

“Reducing youth unemployment must remain a major priority and we look forward to discussing with the government how, for example, the proposals for a new Youth Allowance for unemployed 18 to 21-year-olds will be linked to apprenticeships and traineeships. AELP’s own manifesto called for greater integration of employment and skills programmes and we believe that it will be a wasted opportunity if we don’t see more progress on this during the next five years.

“We will work with the government on developing major programmes for the long-term unemployed, including the Work Programme and Work Choice.  We will urge ministers to drive more coherence between programmes for the unemployed, including more integrated contracting processes, success measures and provider payment methodologies.”

He added: “Skills and employment will continue to be a driver behind a sustained economic recovery and training providers will continue to be at the forefront of that delivery.” 

 

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