Apprenticeships and a call for fair compensation

Across all sectors of education, apprenticeships have long been seen as a win-win proposition. They offer invaluable on-the-job training for the apprentice, while providing schools and academy trusts with fresh perspectives and additional support. However, a disturbing trend has emerged that threatens to undermine the very ethos of these programmes. Recently, I've encountered several advertisements for apprenticeships within the digital and technology sectors of schools and education trusts, each offering a meagre salary of approximately ￡12,000 per annum for a 40-hour workweek, inclusive of training.

This is not just disappointing; it's disheartening.

Apprenticeships are not internships; they are positions that demand dedication, time, and, quite often, a significant level of skill. They are a critical stepping stone in a young professional's career, providing hands-on experience that cannot be gleaned from textbooks alone. The benefits to the individual are immense: they gain industry-relevant skills, build a professional network, and enhance their employability. For the organisation, apprentices bring new ideas, increase productivity, and often lead to long-term, loyal employees.Yet, how can we expect to attract the brightest and best when the financial reward does not reflect the value these individuals bring? It is a disservice to the apprentice and a short-sighted strategy for the organisation.

Leading apprentice providers suggest that a fair apprentice wage should hover around 70-80% of a full-time position's salary.

This is a far cry from the figures currently being advertised. It is time for schools and education trusts to recognise the true worth of apprentices. Paying them the bare minimum is not just an injustice to the individual; it reflects poorly on the organisation and ultimately, on the education sector as a whole.

We must advocate for fair compensation that truly reflects the contribution of apprentices.

Only then can we uphold the integrity of apprenticeship programmes and ensure that they remain a mutually beneficial experience. Let us not devalue these roles to mere cost-saving measures. I implore all schools and academy trusts to reassess their compensation strategies and invest in their apprentices, for they are not just supporting our current operations - they are the very future of their industry.

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