“The Social Mobility Commission makes an important assertion that apprenticeships are a potentially powerful vehicle for social mobility. We welcome its recommendations for a fairer education system, including in opportunities to earn and learn. Not only do vocational schemes create opportunities in areas where they are needed, but they provide a diverse and talented workforce that British business and the economy so vitally needs.
“The Government needs to work with businesses to reverse the decline in apprenticeships and create more earn and learn opportunities nationwide. It should broaden the Apprenticeship Levy to allow investment in other high-quality skills training of the type needed by business. And it needs to help make finding opportunities easier by introducing a UCAS-style application system.
“Only then can UK PLC help to create a socially mobile and economically strong Britain.”
Lady Cobham CBE, Director General of The 5% Club
