Unite has welcomed the National Audit Office’s report published which makes a clear argument on the value of adult apprenticeships; they are a very good return for public spending.

Unite has consistently advocated and supported the funding of adult apprenticeships, notably in manufacturing, as these workers often have the existing transferable skills and experience to bring to the apprenticeship programme.

The union is also pleased to see in the report that advanced apprenticeships yield a higher return than intermediate apprenticeships, with an anticipated spending on adult apprenticeships, producing an economic return of £18 for every £1 of public sector investment.

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Unfortunately, the report goes on to say that most apprenticeships are still at a significantly lower level than those offered by other countries. For example, only 33 per cent of apprenticeships in the UK are at an advanced level compared with 60 per cent in France.

Unite assistant general secretary, Tony Burke, said: "This report shows the real value of offering adults the opportunity to start an apprenticeship. With the ongoing skills gaps and shortages in the UK manufacturing sector, it is only through apprenticeships that the UK can produce the 'home grown' talent to produce the highly skilled workers of the future."

(CD/GK)