King's Speech - Apprenticeships
I’m old enough to remember when a reference to the King’s Speech immediately evoked images of Colin Firth overcoming a stammer while listening to music and reading Shakespeare in the award-winning film The King’s Speech.
A decade after that award-winning film, times have changed. This past week, we witnessed the first King’s Speech in a long time, marking the opening of parliament with a new Labour government. Beyond the pomp and pageantry (I remain to be convinced about the comfortability of wearing scarlet wool in the height of summer), this King’s Speech signalled a significant step-change with 40 bills announced.
Nestled within the heart of the speech was a commitment I’ve written about before: the need to reform the skills offer, particularly apprenticeships. A Skills England bill, which will also include reforms to the apprenticeship levy, is on the horizon. Having led Southwark’s approach to creating high-quality apprenticeships, I’m hopeful this bill can help address three key areas.
First, we need to elevate the quality of apprenticeships. In Southwark, we defined what we believed a high-quality apprenticeship should be. The government's bold plan to work with employers is crucial for improving both the experience and quality of apprenticeships.
Second, pay disparity. Under the previous government a 21-year-old apprentice can earn as little as ￡6.40 per hour in their first year, compared to a 21-year-old full-time worker entitled to a minimum of ￡11.44 per hour.
Third, the system needs flexibility to allow workers and employers access to more tailored training. The current rigid system wastes hundreds of millions of pounds on unused training.
Like many of the bills announced by the new government, a Labour government will be able to look at innovative solutions already in practice in London, West Yorkshire, and devolved administrations across the country.
If we get this right, we can unlock the potential of the next generation of creatives, scientists, and award-winning film directors
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