Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2024
On May 16th, Su was invited to attend the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards as a member of the OxLEP Business & Skills Sub-group, hosted by Williams Racing.
It was an inspiring event and included a thought-provoking presentation from local MP, David Johnston, about how the perception of apprenticeships has changed over the years.
History of Apprenticeships
In the past, young people would often find that they required an academic degree even when hands-on experience could have been more useful in the job market (such as investigative journalism).
The emphasis on academic qualifications limited the pool of prospective apprenticeship candidates and reinforced the perception of apprenticeships as inferior pathways to success.
There appeared to be a glass ceiling for individuals who opted for the apprenticeship route.
Despite their dedication and competence, they often hit a glass ceiling beyond which further progression seemed impossible.
Apprenticeships were reserved for practical ‘trade’ and (perceived) lower-skilled jobs; a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Apprenticeship Levy
A pivotal moment arrived with the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, shifting the business community’s attitudes towards apprenticeships.
Implemented in April 2017, the levy compelled employers with an annual wage bill exceeding £3 million to invest in apprenticeship training.
This policy measure incentivised businesses to actively engage with apprenticeship programs and spurred a broader cultural shift in perceptions surrounding vocational training.
Apprenticeships Today
Today, there are more than 100,000 UK employers in over 160,000 workplaces offering apprenticeship positions, all demonstrating a significant increase in their acceptance and adoption within the corporate landscape.
This endorsement from employers has paved the way for apprentices to thrive within their respective fields.
The resurgence of apprenticeships in the UK can be attributed to their value in equipping young people with the skills and competencies demanded by today’s dynamic workforce.
Unlike traditional academic pathways, apprenticeships prioritise hands-on experience, creating a seamless transition from education to employment, and earning as they learn!
Apprenticeships are no longer confined to a narrow range of professions but cover a wide range of industries, from engineering and construction to accounting and insurance, to healthcare and digital technology.
This ensures that individuals can pursue their passions and create fulfilling careers tailored to their interests and skills.
With the business community increasingly recognising and rewarding the value of vocational training, apprenticeships are the preferred choice for many.
Certainly, the nominees and award winners in the room on the 16th of May were demonstrating their dedication, advanced thinking and progressive contribution to the ever-changing job market.