CIPD calls for apprenticeship guarantee as youth unemployment rises

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has called for stronger action on apprenticeships and youth employment after the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) passed one million.

Responding to the publication of the Milburn Review interim report and latest ONS figures, the CIPD said greater investment and policy intervention were needed to support young people entering the labour market.

Lizzie Crowley, senior skills adviser at the CIPD, said many young people were struggling to access entry-level opportunities and structured career pathways.

She added: “Young people are desperate for an opportunity to prove themselves, but many are struggling to navigate a labour market where entry-level opportunities, work experience and structured progression routes have become harder to access.

“Today’s Milburn Review findings and ONS figures highlight that much bolder action is needed to support youth employment given the collapse in the number of apprenticeships for 16-24 year olds and the general reduction in entry level roles.

The CIPD said there was a strong case for introducing an apprenticeship guarantee for all 16 to 24-year-olds.

Crowley said: “With more than one million young people not in education, employment or training there’s a strong case to introduce an Apprenticeship Guarantee for all 16-24 year olds.

“CIPD research shows that nine in ten employers would support this and half say they would provide additional apprenticeship places over their existing provision if this were introduced.